I woke at 11 PM last night. No idea why, but I figured I was close enough to midnight that I might as well see the 18261st day of existence in. 12 AM 5/3/07 came and went without incident, as has the rest of the 50th birthday so far. I don't anticipate that changing between now and 11:59 PM tonight, either.
Mercifully, my coworkers did not call my name into the local radio station for announcement this morning. I'm not into that. Let the 10 year old win the cake from the bakery. They did wish me a happy birthday when I stopped by the place briefly, which I enjoyed and is more my birthday speed. My boss sent me an e-card which was hilarious. Schmaltzy, sentimental cards should be left for those who enjoy them.
My brother and sister called and left singing voicemails. My sister can sing. My brother, well, it's the thought that counts. My friend of 30+ years wished me a happy birthday via instant message and phone. I also received e-mails and IMs from dear friends made on the internet.
One thing I had promised to do for myself today, aside from take the day off and be lazy, was to pay off my car. It had a balance of less than $30. It would have been automatically paid on 5/11 out of my account, but there was something symbolic in essentially getting the "pink slip" for my car on my birthday. Nevermind that they're no longer pink and you don't get them immediately on getting to that $0 balance. That little blue buggy is mine now, starter problems and all.
Gifts were few, but nonetheless appreciated:
A 2007 penny from a stranger, found on the ground during my walk after breakfast along an idyllic stretch of the Hudson River.
A medical scrub top in just the shade of spring yellow I had been looking for. Okay, I paid for it, but it was at a seriously rock-bottom price.
Lastly, one of my internet-borne friends informed me that I've gotten an acknowledgment, a thank you, in a soon to be released anthology for my teeny, tiny contribution to his short story. Now, I recognize there's a certain amount of legal requirement in doing this thank you, but that doesn't negate how flattered and honored I feel by the action. My slowly turning professional writer friend didn't even have to mention my input to his publisher. No one would have been the wiser and I would have simply viewed it as helping out. But, he did mention it. Thank you, Mr. Davies.
Nope, no pony. Although it would help with mowing the lawn, which I'm growing less and less fond of with the accumulating years, I've never wanted a big or little equine friend. I like simple gifts, nothing glitzy or glamorous. Admittedly, I would have liked to have woken up this morning and found that I had won something for my $1 lottery investment, but it didn't happen. But, I got my cash. I found that penny.
It's been a good half-century marker day. There's still another seven hours to go, but as I said, I don't anticipate anything dramatic happening between now and 5/4.
To all those who celebrate their birthday today, all the best. May your wishes come true, and don't forget to make one of those wishes a wish for peace. It's always a great gift that never needs wrapping.
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