31 Years Later
Granny used to always say it was my “once a year day.” Yes, today is my birthday. Some of you know that already, some of you are just figuring it out, and the rest…well, now you know. It’s number 31 in fact. The Baskin Robbins birthday. Hopefully I’ll make it to the Heinz birthday. (Think for a moment…you’ll get it….) It ended up not being the “me” day that I had sort of planned on because I decided to not skip out of work after all. I wanted to take my time getting everything settled for J’s bachelor bash, but now I have to scramble tonight and tomorrow morning. So it really wouldn’t have been a “me” day anyway. So, I guess it’s all moot.
I know I said that you probably would not hear from me for a few days, but so many of you have been so thoughtful in remembering my birthday, I wanted to take at at least a few minutes to give you proper thank-yous. Although, now that I think about it, is a public electronic thank you really proper? Well, please accept this for now and I’ll do you right later. (Kind of like a hand job in promise of a bit of deep throat later.)
My birthday is always a pretty quiet deal. But being a loner, it sort of works out good for me that way. Gifts and presents have never been a big part of my life. This is not to say I have never gotten any, just that because I only have a handful of friends and Granny its not something that I expect or look forward to. When it happens, it’s nice, but it also makes me uncomfortable. I guess becuase I don’t feel like I have done anything to deserve a present. You don’t get a present for just existing. The parents made that happen. Maybe they should get the gifts and not the offspring. (Unless you’re Jesus. But then I guess since he died for the sins of mankind, a bit of myrrh is not going overboard. For Christ’s sake, Balthasar, at least give the kid something he can use…a rattle? booties? Huggies?)
Anyway, I mention the gift thing just so I can say thanks to those who have given. I always try to discourage that sort of thing because I’m bad and awkward when it comes to receiving. I think my discouragement sometimes comes across as ungratefulness and I need to learn to not make others feel bad about giving simply becuase I feel bad about getting.
But, if all goes well, every day you learn more, and by every next birthday you’re a little smarter, a little kinder, and a little more respectful. Even well past the toddler age, life is just baby steps.
June 30th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
Hell, i can do better than a handjob or deep throat!
Happy b-day!
June 30th, 2006 at 9:08 pm
What you have to understand is that sometimes, by receiving you are actually giving. What could be more exciting than to see that you’ve made someone’s day by acknowledging a special event with a mere token of esteem. Perhaps it’s just a kind word or a thoughtful deed. That doesn’t mean that the gift giver is entitled to any special privileges and it shouldn’t be a ‘one upsmanship’. It’s just that they want to recognize how much they appreciate who you are and perhaps thank you for all that you give just by being you. I’m not explaining my thoughts clearly on that so you’ll have to piece it together.
Anyway, I’d like to again wish you a most splendid birthday. You are no longer 30, but now 30-something. For me, my 30-something years were wonderful and I wish the same for you if not better. I hope you find this time of your life to be quite excellent!!
July 1st, 2006 at 12:18 am
the best years lie ahead of you. 31. the fun’s just begun. i hope you make it past the heinz birthday (i got the joke).
July 1st, 2006 at 5:47 am
WE SHARE THE SAME DAY….TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY ALSO:) IHOPE YOURS IS FULL OF ALL THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE YOU DESERVE
July 1st, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Happy Birthday big guy! Only 30! Still just a pup! Enjoy your youth; it will be gone before you know it.
July 1st, 2006 at 8:16 pm
Happy Birthday gorgeous! Many happy whatsits, and lots of big warm hugs!
July 1st, 2006 at 8:40 pm
Happy Birthday.
July 2nd, 2006 at 12:17 am
How cool! Have a great birthday!
paul
July 2nd, 2006 at 12:49 pm
Well LT, I am one of those that’s “just finding out, ” but then again I haven’t been reading your blog for a whole year. Heck I hadn’t heard of and didn’t start blog reading until last October.
Happy Birthday! Hell 31, your just a “pup” as my dad used to say. I’m 15 years your senior, and no comments from the ‘peanut gallery!’
July 2nd, 2006 at 7:18 pm
Happy belated T. Hope it was a good one. Sounds like you got your b’day wish early this year though. *eg*
July 3rd, 2006 at 9:09 am
If I’d only known I would have made you a cake! What is your favorite so I’ll know next year.
July 3rd, 2006 at 1:54 pm
Sorry Tony. Happy Belated birthday! Mine is in 10 days and I will be the big four-five. Hhmmm, not so old.
July 3rd, 2006 at 4:22 pm
Happy Belated Birthday from a fellow “Tony”. I got the Heinz number reference, but the question I have for you is: Do you know where that number came from? Hope you had a great day!
July 3rd, 2006 at 9:37 pm
Instead of being a dork and being 3 days late for a celebration, I will just take a moment and wish you the happiest of independence days!
July 4th, 2006 at 10:27 am
Happy belated birthday, Tony! Wishing you everything you want for yourself.
Also a happy July 4th greeting from this Canadian.
July 5th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
(((hug)))
Happy birthday. I wish I could be there to help you celebrate. You know, something quiet, low key. With tequila. In a hotel room in Knoxville.