And you are planning your own party...why? Does it feel like your Birthday if you are: making reservations, buying this and that, sending the invites, deciding on places to go, booking a hotel for the night and pay out of your own pocket, and so on and so forth? Hmm...any experiences or close experiences like this?

I don't celebrate my birthday. I don't really celebrate any holiday. I wish others Happy ___________ but I try to celebrate these holidays every day of my life.

I have never liked birthday parties, even as a kid (I know it's weird lol)

I don't celebrate my birthday. I have one son who's b-day is 2 weeks before mine and another son who's is a week after mine. Mine always got lost in the shuffle...

I can understand not really celebrating. I was like that for some time. Now, I feel like doing something. But I'm finding myself putting on a show for guests instead of them putting on a show for me. Eh, if that makes sense. No parties...just an evening out with friends.

Yeah, now that my boys are older I'll do lunch with a friend or something...for alot of years just did the mom thing.

I understand that. But at least you get a little time for yourself.

Nothing wrong doing something for yourself on your birthday. Why do you feel the need to put on a show for them? Why not just go have fun and if they aren't having fun, then that's them?

It's my birthday? No, just checked the date...as you can tell my birthday is very important to me.

Don't try to pay to much attention when my birthday rolls around.

I have no problem making my own plans for my birthday. I know what I want, and I can invite those that mean the most to me!

For the past 3 years I’ve reserved the VIP lounge at a place in Sacramento. It’s as close to Vegas as we have in Sacramento. The VIP holds 40 people and we have our own bartender, cocktail server and bathrooms. Included with the bill, we get 3 magnums of premier booze and light edibles plus “head of the line” entrance to the club. They also have limo service if requested. (see the cool pic of Park Ultra).

I foot the bill and handle all of the arrangements. It’s stress free and I get what I want!

If my friends plan their own thing for me - that's great - but I also make my own plans.

I always make the plans so I make sure I do what I want to do

I also usually end up making the plans for others birthdays as well... they just want to have a good time and not worry about it I guess

Damn! Pretty swanky. I plan my own birthday as well. Every bar in Louisville will give you a free drink on your birthday. I have alot of bars within walking distance. Makes for an interesting evening....

I love doing a pub crawl!

That's usually what my friends plan and I am down with that - although we don't get free drinks for birthdays.

If you tip a bartender really well, he or she might pour heavy but that's about it ...

My biggest event on my birthday is getting up in the morning, going to stand in front if the mirror and sing happy birthday to the fella looking back at me. Then go sit down and watch the news. Then. During the day I drive around to see how many ppl has raised thier flags in my honor. Yep. I was born on flag day, june 14th

Oooooo! Now that's nice.

Well, I don't want to put on a show for them. I just wanted to do something different (that I normally don't do) and have my friends come along. But since my sister's wedding is right around the corner, I'm not sure if I should fork out any money. And most of my friends are younger than me so they're not rich. Sheesh! I need to find some older friends.

Well Happy early Birthday to ya in case I'm not on here again. I'll raise a flag in your honor.

And for all the others who posted, thank you for your thoughts. I'd write something for everyone, but it's time for me to get ready for the day.