84-year-old Bend woman celebrates her ’21st birthday’ this leap day

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- It's a very special birthday Thursday for one Bend woman. Annie Barlow just turned 84, but this is only her 21st official birthday celebration. That's because she was born on a leap day, Feb. 29, 1940.

Annie says growing up, her birthdays were just like everyone else's, however the day was always different.

"Whenever there was a free evening, they'd sit down. They'd say, 'Okay, this is when we're going to celebrate your birthday.' So, you know, it was -- I really didn't feel any different." Barlow said.

She did have some advice for fellow "21-year-olds" this year: "Don't stub your toe along the way, because you don't realize at that age what something on your record might hold you back when you get older."

She also says to stay positive.

Usually, every four years, an extra day is added to the calendar, due to the Earth's orbit not syncing with the number of days in the year. It actually takes longer than 365 days to complete an orbit around the sun.

Annie says she's happy to celebrate another year -- and says next year, she'll celebrate on whatever day she wants.