Thoughts on a birthday eve

Birthday candles come from an old pagan tradition of sending your prayers to the gods in smoke. And I can see why. This cake makes me want to dance around it wearing nothing but a pelt. It's a party unto itself!

So in the last year I’ve either gotten smarter or I’ve just gotten old.

Or maybe both?

The thing of it is, I know all these people who spend all kinds of time and money and energy going out and whooping it up every weekend and buying things they don’t need and coveting those who are rich or acting like they’re rich or ‘have it all’ or any and anything in between.

And I wonder what it is that makes that fun?

If you ask me, I suppose it’s the hope of meeting interesting people or seeming like one yourself, the desire to have a laugh, the indulgence of fine food and wine, and the overall allure of ‘the glamorous life.’

And the thing of it is, all that bores me.

Well, minus the food and wine…but if you have me around, I can at least take care of the food part. Just bring me some champagne, and we’re square.

Anyway, I find that the more energy one puts into looking fabulous or being impressive, the less they often actually have to offer as a human being.

At this point in my life, my ‘best night ever’ would involve a few cherished friends or beloved family members, great food, a little too much wine or other inebriating substance, and maybe a board game. Or a late-night swim on a warm night. Or a great conversation. Or live music. Or a hilarious movie. Or a beach bonfire. Or a guitar sing-a-long on a night I’ve taken it easy enough on the inebriating substances to remember the chords. Or a storytelling session. Or watching shooting stars. Or laughing just because. Or whatever.

Let’s start with the first three ingredients and see what happens…

Meanwhile, I realize I’ve been lucky enough to have several of these occasions in the last year:

If any of you wanted to drop by with this cake, I wouldn't argue. Much.

In Sequim, Washington at the “Clam Cottage” where I actually won a game of Trivial Pursuit! (In your face, sucka!)

In Washington, D.C. watching “Strangers with Candy” episodes on a laptop.

In Wildwood, New Jersey where I saw my dad laugh so hard he cried.

And even just this Saturday night when I had some great friends over, one of whom is one of those remarkable people who always makes you feel smart and fascinating and impossibly clever.

More than that, I have some other fun times to look forward to before 2009 is out.

And for all that I’m super grateful.

So on the eve of declaring myself yet another year older, I suppose it could be a lot worse. I could be wasting my money and my time chasing illusions of youth and glamour and hoping to meet some fabulous people under a disco ball…but I’m happy to find that I’m pretty damn content just being me and living the life I’ve made.

It ain’t perfect, and I still have things I’m (majorly) striving for…but what fun would it be without all those hopes and dreams, anyway?

A few of you owe me this cake (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE), but no need to bring it by.

As a strange irony, I was sent a link during the course of writing this post, and it fits in perfectly, natch. It’s entitled “Nine Secrets of Truly Happy People,  and I’m sure now – like me – you’re dying to know them. There’s a longer, more detailed version you can find here, but for me, this abbreviated list is crystal clear as-is:

1. They know what really matters
2. They choose just two or three important projects for each year
3. They put time aside for them each day
4. They surround themselves with people who motivate, inspire or build them up

5. Happy people eat well
6. They take time to play or to just ‘be’
7. They learn not to make excuses, justify, or cop out
8. Happy people take time to be grateful – for themselves and for others
9. They get something done

Another year bites the dust. Happy birthday to me!

And you know what? I think this list is dead-on.

So to my birthday twins (Cliff, Cesar, and Paul Simon) and to all of you: Salud, Mazal tov, and Here’s looking at you, Kid!

Cheers to this list and to life!

p.s.

Tomorrow, if I get my act together, I’m feeling kind of inspired to post a couple childhood pictures for you. The major roadblock involves my scanner…

p.p.s.

And yes, this entire post has come to you in my birthday suit.

Tags: attitude of gratitude, being grateful, being grateful on your birthday, being happy, birthdays, Everything is good if you decide it is, getting older, gratitude, happy birthday to me, how to be happy, How to be truly happy, Humor, I kind of don't want to get a year older but I'm making the best of it, It takes very little to entertain me anymore, Life, Making the best of birthdays, the nine secrets of truly happy people, The traits of truly happy people

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