(Apologies! Some weird glitch happened when I hit send and some of the post was deleted! I’ve fixed it now. D’oh.)
Hello, Friends!
Today is my birthday! 2.3.2023 (Sounds auspicious, right?) Whee! This is not a shameless plug to get you to wish me a happy birthday. I just love birthdays and that includes your birthday too. Here’s why: For starters, I’m obsessed with birthday cake. How often in life do we get to enjoy multiple pieces of a double layer cake with buttercream frosting and sprinkles? Not often enough if you ask me. Cake is the best. But don’t take my word for it, listen to my favorite comedian, Paul F. Tompkins explain why cake will always be superior to pie:
WE MADE IT!
And reason #2 that I love birthdays is because it reminds us to celebrate that we’re alive. We made it another year. So many people don’t make it. Lives are cut heartbreaking short every single day. Even when someone dies who might be considered “old” by society’s standards, we mourn the loss, knowing we’ll never see that person again. I know I’m lucky to be here. And I’m lucky to have many friends and family members still among the living. I want to celebrate the birthdays of everyone I hold dear, not just to eat their cake (though that is a huge perk), but to acknowledge how happy I am that they were born and that I still get to spend time with them.
TODAY IS THE YOUNGEST I’M EVER GOING TO BE
I know some folks eschew birthdays because . . . aging. And sure, getting older has its challenges. No question. Last year I had to take a new passport photo and the instructions said, “no eyeglasses” and “no lipstick.” I don’t even know who I am without my oversized statement glasses and signature red lipstick. But I didn’t want my photo to get rejected, so I obeyed the orders. Later, I flipped through the pics, distraught at how mole-like and pale I appeared. Jared said, “In twenty years, you’ll be amazed at how good you looked in these photos.” It was a fair point. I’m the youngest I’m ever going to be today. I may as well appreciate all the things I can still do. I can leave the country and eat cake in a foreign city. And who cares if a customs agent sees an unflattering photo of me for 10 seconds? Customs agents only care if I’m smuggling in a contraband banana or stealing state secrets. “I can assure you, Officer, I’m just here for the cake.”
FREE STUFF
The other cool thing about birthdays is FREE stuff. I got an email from The Girlfriend—a newsletter for 40+ crowd—and it had a list (⬅️click link) of all the places that give you something gratis on your birthday. Did you know that if you go to a Benefit boutique on your bday, they’ll wax your brows for free?!! IHOP will give you free pancakes. AND you can get a small pizza at Bertucci’s on your bday by just signing up for their newsletter.
I better pull myself together and go collect my bday booty. Sending hugs to all of you and I’m so glad you were born. Let’s celebrate soon. xo