Turning...a year older
I say it's my BIRTHday! It's my birthday too YEAH!! I turn 30 today. Getting older is not easy, despite the distractions of gifts and hugs and well wishes. Changing two digits is definitely harder than a quick switchero of one. Who even notices the difference between 28 and 29?
Going into my birthday I fortified myself by pointing out that I've never been in such great shape (tho I'm still not wise enough to figure out how I got hooked on running. It's literally just going in circles). But physical benchmarcks - my ass is still tighter than so and so's, I have fewer gray hairs than you know who - don't get you anywhere. Because there is always going to be someone who is just as old as you and has an even flatter stomach or fewer wrinkles. Plus, basing your sense of self on how you look isn't very healthy, yada yada yada.
Instead of hedging my bets on physiognomy, I think back to what my mother said when I asked her at 7 or 8 why were were all here. What's the point of it all? She paused for a second. "To make happiness." You can interpret that a lot of ways, like helping the needy, loving God, or getting toasted. I prefer some combination of all three. And certainly every day I live I learn more about how to be happy. Not just pursue it. That's a pretty cool perk of aging.
BDAY BONUS: I got carded at lunch today! No joke. I squealed to the waiter than it was my birthday and gave him a high five. The cosmo was one of the best I ever drank.
Comments
Since we work together ... words fail me ... but happy birthday!!!
Posted by: Steven Rosenberg | January 25, 2008 2:47 PM
Happy Birthday! I am 75 and believe me, it is just a number!
Posted by: JosefineAnne | January 25, 2008 3:25 PM
Give yourself 10% off and tell people that you're 27. Happy Birthday, go get a free meal somewhere.
Posted by: Ron | January 25, 2008 4:20 PM
HAAPY BIRTHDAY!
I ENJOY YOUR COLUMN! KEEP IT COMING! YOUR DOING A GOOD THING!
Posted by: Sue | January 25, 2008 5:07 PM
Happy, Happy Birthday!
Hugs,
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | January 25, 2008 11:19 PM
You are but a youngster! I celebrated my 75th last September with a wonderful Surprise Party my daughter gave me held at an Elks Hall. The hall was filled with wall-to-wall people I hadn't seen in years..great night. Although I do admit, I am too young to be this old!
Happy, Happy Birthday with many more to come!
Regards,
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy DuVall | January 26, 2008 4:22 PM
Sorry I missed your b/day, but I hope it was one of your happiest. They only get better with age.....
I look forward to your columns. They are very helpful. Thanks.
Shelia
Posted by: Shelia | January 26, 2008 7:25 PM
Happy, happy day! A Lincoln Lunch is on me next week.
Posted by: Melissa | January 27, 2008 9:19 AM