David B. Grinberg

6 years ago · 5 min. reading time · ~100 ·

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Happy Birthday to Me! Please Hold the Applause

Happy Birthday to Me! Please Hold the Applause

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Wok Appreciation,


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.

(LES Ha (OC C1] TS
HEALTHY AND FULL OF ENERGY.

—

LE EL
LVR dRToday is a different era. Yes, I understand the importance of face-to-face networking. I just don't do it much anymore. Yet I digress.

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.

| BIRT HDAY

«~, Your Name Here 4.
em ;Moreover, I didn’t really mind celebrating my birthday during my 20s and 30s. It was always a blast to go out on the town with the guys and gals. Big time 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.

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YOU MAGNIFICENT

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.

~
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BaThe Birthday Cake

The 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.

f2c90ffd.jpg Nicole also plans to take me out shopping over the weekend for some practical things I really need – like new slippers (or “house shoes” as my late father called them), as well as some new pants. I know, very exciting. 

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...

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________________________________________________________________________________________

a85bb8b6.jpgABOUT THE AUTHOR: I'm an independent writer and strategic communications advisor with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors -- including work in the White House, Congress, federal agencies, and national news media. I'm also a Brand Ambassador for beBee Affinity Social Network. In addition to beBee, you can find me buzzing around on Twitter, Medium, LinkedIn.

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Comments

David B. Grinberg

6 years ago #10

Thank you for the last two comments below Donna-Luisa Eversley, I'm grateful for your positive engagement and well wishes. Now, did I say mid-life -- or approaching mid-life? Well, either way you got me, Preston, as I just asked Siri to define "midlife." She says, "The central period of a person's life, generally considered as the years from about 45-55." Thus, it's true, I recently crossed the threshold. I'll try to wear this glorious distinction as a badge of honor, wit and wisdom -- and sarcasm, of course (although I'm usually the only one who laughs at my jokes). Thanks again to everybody who commented below. And don't forget: Keep buzzing!!! (including Live Buzz because if someone if someone like me with a face that only "a mother can love" -- and my amorcita -- can do it, then anybody can). Buzz on...

David B. Grinberg

6 years ago #9

Thanks so much to everyone below for the gracious outpouring of constructive comments and delightful discourse . Everybody had excellent points to make. I think the bottom line regarding birthday celebrations -- or lack thereof -- is whatever works best for the individual. There are no rules about why some people like birthdays while others don't, just personal reasons. Moreover, the comments below exemplify the great diversity of views, opinions and people who share buzz on beBee. We bees are all amazing and unique in our own ways. It's this diversity of views and life experiences, and acceptance thereof, which is especially pleasing. That's why beBee is always overflowing with good intentions, good advice and good cheer. Thus, I raise a glass to salute all of YOU for taking the time to positively engage with this post. Many thanks for all YOU do -- and keep buzzing...Vamos!!!

David B. Grinberg

6 years ago #8

#41
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

#38
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

#38
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

Thanks so much to everyone below for the gracious outpouring of constructive comments and delightful discourse . Everybody has their own excellent points to make. I think the bottom line is whatever works best for the individual. There are no rhymes or rules as to why some people like birthday celebrations while others loath them -- just personal reasons. I think this discussion exemplifies the great diversity of opinion and outspokenness on this platform, as opposed to so-called "group think" on other age-old social media monoliths. We bees are all amazing and unique in our our own individuals ways. It's this diversity of views and life experiences, and acceptance thereof, which is especially pleasing. That's why beBee is always overflowing with good intentions, good advice and good cheer. Thus, I raise a glass to salute all of YOU for taking the time to positively and constructively engage with this post. Many thanks for all YOU do!!! PS - CityVP \ud83d\udc1d Manjit, we always have a guest bedroom and bathroom if you need a break. Just let me know...

David B. Grinberg

6 years ago #4

Thanks so much to everyone for the gracious outpouring of comments and discussion. Everybody has their own excellent points to make. I think the bottom line is whatever works best for the individual. There are no rhymes or rules as to why some people like birthday celebrations while others loath them -- just personal reasons. I think this discussion exemplifies the great diversity of opinion and outspokenness on this platform, as opposed to so-called "group think." We are all amazing and unique in our our own individuals ways. It's this diversity, and acceptance thereof, which is especially pleasant and pleasing. That's why beBee is always overflowing with good intentions, good advice and good cheer. Thus, a raise a glass to all of YOU for taking the time to positively and constructively engage with this post. Many thanks to all!!!

CityVP Manjit

6 years ago #3

#34
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

When people in Facebook send me birthday greetings they are actually celebrating the death of James Dean. No one asks why I have James Dean's pics on my CityVP home page at Facebook. If the Facebook algorithm tells the people who have connected with me, they all send me birthday greetings. How this Facebook data got into my beBee profile is not something I did, but just like you I tend to downplay birthdays. I don't see what the fuss is about, to celebrate a day when your mother was prostrate on a table and endured a birth old style - without an epidural . Sure I am human as the next person about the joy of giving birth, but to count how many times that birthing moment happened does not hold anymore meaning to me than Halloween or Valentine's Day. Yet I get the whole birthday thing, it is a way for us to be kids again, because as branded entities because we take ourselves way too seriously, celebrating our birthday is a way of being a kid again. That we need an excuse or a certain day to be that is actually more worthy of thinking about than the time honoured ritual that people simply follow because that is just the way things are. Deep down yes I agree it is nice when people do nice things for us - but why just that day - why not anytime on an day when we feel like being nice to someone. It is a measure of how much we don't do that or think like that, that shows up on a birthday - because who the heck wants to piss someone off on their birthday never mind fire someone on their birthday! It is ritualistic and tribal in the end, and the meaning we accord to a birthday depends on the level of our own attachments. For sure we live in the world of "Social" but this word "Social" if it's reality is examined is actually group-think. Yet I am also nice, so Happy Birthday David. If a birthday wish makes someone happy, well I call that having my birthday cake and eating it :-)

David B. Grinberg

6 years ago #1

FYI John White, MBA

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