Happy Birthday to Me! Please Hold the Applause
Yesterday was my birthday.
No, I won't tell you my age. Let's just say I'm fast approaching mid-life, or something like it. Also, I desperately need to update my profile picture, even if it means paying a professional photographer. Admission: that profile pic is over 5-years old. Ouch!
Anyhow, this is a blog post about birthdays.
So Happy Birthday 🎁 🎂 to me!!!
But please hold off on your congratulations and well wishes. Why? Because I’m not big on birthdays, at least not my own. I never was a birthday person. I’m not sure why?
Perhaps it’s because I don’t like surprises, especially surprise birthday parties thrown for me. I don’t mind if it’s for someone else. Maybe that's because I don’t like being the center of attention, at least not in the real world.
So please hold the applause.
I’m a lifelong writer. Thus, as a creative type I tend to be a bit introverted at times and prefer the written word compared to face-to-face communications. I know this is good and bad. Good because we’re in the golden age of social media. Bad because I know how much direct personal interaction matters in networking and life generally.
Actually, I used to be a world class in-person networker before social media. That’s how I got to work for a Congressional leadership office in the U.S. Capitol and then in the White House during my 20s. But in-person networking was really the only choice back then if you wanted to close the deal. Perhaps that's still true.
Okay, back to birthdays.
There comes a certain time, or age, when getting older just doesn’t seem that great anymore. It’s not as good as yesteryear.
For example, I fondly recall many joyous birthday parties thrown for me as a kid and teenager. I looked forward to my birthday back then. The parties were fun.
Then my 40s hit and things changed. Now it’s a different story, a whole new ball game.
(Photo Note: That's me on the top, far left, as a kid with my friends back in the day. We were all happy campers, particularly for birthdays.)
The Turning Point
I think the turning point with birthdays is when you stop looking forward to getting older and start wishing you were younger again. I know, I know…age is just a number. I say that a lot.
I also tell people: it’s not the number of years in your life but the life in those years.
The problem is I don’t always follow my own advice, at least when it comes to birthdays. Perhaps I’m becoming hermetic or on the verge of a mid-life crisis? I hope not.
But that’s for another post.
So I know you’re probably wondering what this birthday sourpuss actually did for his birthday? Sorry to disappoint, but not much.
I took the day off from work for starters because life is about more than working. I actually slept late, very late, then got up and made the bed, and gulped down some coffee per my usual routine.
My better half, Nicole, has the summer off. She’s a high school Spanish teacher. And, lucky for me, she went with the flow (you know what I mean guys). In addition to making the coffee, she got a few chocolate croissants as a celebratory gesture to sweeten the day. Okay, she really likes them too. Those are always yummy. Alas, I only ate one.
I was saving my appetite for the big event: the vaunted birthday dinner!
By now it was mid-afternoon and I was still being a slouch. Thus, I jumped on the computer and did some social media surfing. That’s always fun and I like to keep up, to the extent possible. Apologies to those whose blog posts and buzz I may have neglected to engage with, or inadvertently overlooked. It happens with information overload. You know what I mean, nothing personal, just time constraints.
Then I shaved, took a shower and got dressed. Nothing strange about that, right? Well, Nicole really likes when I groom myself and dress up. This is because I usually work from home in shorts and a tee-shirt, unshaven and all scruffy looking. Maybe it's a guy thing?
Nicole treated me to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Seasons 52 (shameless plug), which is in walking distance. This is very convenient if you want to booze it up occasionally.
When I say favorite restaurant, I mean similar to the 1980s TV sitcom, “Cheers” (theme song intro via YouTube, series ended in 1993). You walk in and, “Everybody knows your name...and they're always glad you came.” -- as the mantra goes. They’re beaming with happiness to see you, and I mean everybody -- from the hostess, to the servers, to the managers, to the chef.
That’s always nice on your birthday or any day.
After being seated, a bottle of my favorite German wine, Riesling, and some sparkling water was immediately brought to the table without even asking for it. Like I said, they know us well there. And yes, I know it's traditionally a desert wine, but I consider myself a culinary rebel.
Pretty impressive, I thought. They even remembered the limes I like for the Perrier. This was too much!
Finally, I started feeling a little better about my birthday. It sure took long enough.
So there we were, Nicole and I, in one of our favorite restaurants and ready for a great meal. We shared a pizza-like flatbread and I ordered an awesome arugula salad with avocado. I ended up eating most of the flatbread, as usual. That's because Nicole counts her calories. She works out almost every day. No wonder she looks so good compared to me. But, again, that’s for another post.
The Birthday CakeThe restaurant managers came to our table and chit chatted with us for several minutes, as usual. We like this restaurant because -- in addition to the high quality food -- it's upscale, classy and has great ambience with mahogany wood everywhere and big windows.
For the main course I decided to have a New York Strip Steak – being a native New Yorker and all. I first thought about the fish, a special seasonal Copper River Salmon. But that wouldn’t cut it for me tonight, too light. Nicole had the trout.
I know what you’re thinking now: time for the birthday cake!
Well, not so fast...
I’m not really into birthday cakes, generally. That’s another reason why I like this restaurant. They don't serve big deserts. Rather they have those mini deserts served in something resembling a shot glass. Nothing big or fancy, just yummy and low cal.
And the servers present these deserts on a fancy tray with a flash light pointing each one out and talking it up. It's kind of similar to the celebrated Baked Alaska on cruise ships.
That’s all fine and good with me. Let the show go on...
So that's pretty much it, at least for now. Nicole also gave me a very sentimental birthday card entitled, "To the Wonderful Man I Love!"
I asked her if she had the right person, just to make sure. Then lot's of hugs and kisses. Awe shucks.
Yes, another birthday has come and gone. Oh well.
And while it was just another day to me, I'm another year older -- and, hopefully, wiser. I also have a few more gray hairs coming in which my barber refuses to cut out.
But in actuality I don’t feel any different. I suppose you can call that a low-key birthday. Perhaps that's an understatement
(Photo Note: That's my "amorcita," Nicole. I know what you're thinking: what's a beautiful woman like that doing with a slacker like me? Well, I just consider it a blessing and don't ask questions.)
Like I said, I’m not big on birthdays. But I do love writing.
Enough about me. How about you?
What’s the deal with celebrating YOUR birthday?
Please share your valuable feedback below and remember: I'm not looking for any birthday love, just sharing my personal experience and views. So please don't be shy in commenting.
Consider it a belated birthday gift...
________________________________________________________________________________________
""""""""
Articles from David B. Grinberg
View blogToday’s boisterous blogosphere continues to expand exponentially with competing content. In fact, y ...
You can always catch more buzz by blogging on beBee Affinity Social Network. The "Producer" publishi ...
Although President John F. Kennedy was assassinated more than a half-century ago, his strong legacy ...
Related professionals
You may be interested in these jobs
-
Full Time/Part Time Dental Hygienist
Found in: Jooble US O C2 - 2 days ago
Afinia Dental - Eastgate Cheviot, OH, United States10,000 Sign on Bonus · Afinia Dental is seeking a full time Dental Hygienist · 10,000 Sign on Bonus · ~ Competitive benefits including health insurance and retirement savings plans, six paid holidays and PTO (paid time off) · ~ Access to an expansive network of mentors with 1:1 ...
-
Travel Nurse RN
Found in: One Red Cent US C2 - 4 days ago
Lancesoft Inc Lancaster, United StatesWe are currently seeking qualified candidates for RN · Position Details: · Location Lancaster, SC · Shift 4x12 Nights · Duration of Assignment 91 · Day 1 Medical, Health, Dental, Vision. · $500 Referral Bonus ...
-
Host - Now Hiring
Found in: Lensa US P 2 C2 - 16 hours ago
Chilis West Springfield, United StatesRole Overview · Our Hosts begin each experience for every Guest that walks into our restaurants by providing hospitality and service that is absolutely Chili's. If you take pride in providing a warm welcome and love making people feel special, then we want to hear from youFast hi ...
Comments
David B. Grinberg
6 years ago #10
David B. Grinberg
6 years ago #9
David B. Grinberg
6 years ago #8
Thanks again Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher. I was initially trained as a journalist back in the day and worked as a reporter and editorial page editor/columnist. But now it's time to get back to basics, at least here. I have written some first-hand accounts about my improbably journey of working in Congress and the White House in my 20s, and how mentors helped pave the way. If you missed it, check this link for the 3-part series (parts 2 and 3 can be accessed below too): https://www.bebee.com/producer/@dbgrinberg/many-mentors-on-my-road-to-the-white-house-part-1 And, yes, let's DM about meeting up somewhere some time with our better/other halves. That would be really be great!
David B. Grinberg
6 years ago #7
Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher up north. Hopefully, I'm off to a good start. Also, your husband sounds like a wonderful man with whom I have some things in common. Perhaps one day we can all meet, virtually or otherwise. My late father told Nicole more than once that she needs to get me out more. He was right, especially considering my mother's history of chronic mental illness, their 40-year marriage and experience with her family. Thanks again for your gracious support, Lisa! Let's keep buzzing...
David B. Grinberg
6 years ago #6
Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher Lisa: you are too kind, as always, and I'm grateful for your kind words. I'm also pleased you enjoyed this post. My plan is to write more off-the-cuff contemporaneous blog posts here to practice my storytelling and try showcase my authentic voice. This appears to be the news "conventional wisdom" regarding how we writers/bloggers should write. Hopefully, I'm off to a good start -- and I'll gladly settle fo good over "great" any day. Also, your husband sounds like a wonderful man with whom I have a lot in common. Perhaps one day we can all meet, virtually or otherwise. My late father once told Nicole that she needs to get me out of the house more. He was right! Thanks again for your gracious support! Let's keep buzzing...
David B. Grinberg
6 years ago #5
David B. Grinberg
6 years ago #4
CityVP Manjit
6 years ago #3
I don't think that David or myself are against birthday wishes, I think we are both saying is that we like low key and a style that suits our more introverted ways. The difference between me and David is that I come from a huge tribe and on any given day the house can instantly turn into a party. The song and dance that includes among other rituals, the customary taking of pictures where members of the family all come up one by one and feed a bit of the cake to you. If they think it is special enough then they invite a whole bunch of relatives, so I am left counting the hours because as hosts we have to sit with them. Great if you are an extrovert but not everyone is an extrovert. Finally, if it super-special, everybody packs into an expensive banquet hall to give you a surprise that only people who like surprises like. Kind of looks like that both David and myself are of the minority who really don't want to be surprised :-) Of course I am not here to tell others what they should do, but I respect the fact that you Yogesh are one of the open minded ones.
CityVP Manjit
6 years ago #2
David B. Grinberg
6 years ago #1