KEEP THE CELEBRATION ON ALL MONTH. After a few birthdays, one day just doesn’t seem like enough. Make it a month. (Photo via Unsplash)
With age, I was told, comes wisdom. We can only hope. And as I complete another trip around the sun, I’m celebrating a “birthday” MONTH rather than a “birthday” DAY or a “birthday” WEEK. I’m no longer trying to fit all the celebrations into 24 hours.
The month of birthdays is a time for gatherings with different circles of friends – from childhood, high school, college, first jobs, clubs, interests and beyond, and for those who have multiple jobs like me, also with family and colleagues.
It’s already the middle of the month, and I’ve had an event almost every day, all within the confines of Eau Claire, unlike last year when friends from DC hosted a garden party in hot and humid Alexandria, Virginia, and friends from Chicago hosted a rooftop party in what the weather forecasters called the hottest summer ALWAYS in Chi-Town.
The prelims began with a party celebrating the Olympics opening ceremony, then the first day of the chainsaw carving competition, then a class reunion at a local hotel, and finally a family dinner at the new Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen. Next, I celebrated with Italian ice cream at work with my twin brother, whose birthday it was. And will I ever forget that rally in the Eau Claire Event District with 11,999 of my closest political friends? No, never. Topping the list was being serenaded by three coworkers at the end of a short work shift, followed by a free scoop of ice cream and more at Ramone’s with a best friend. (Look at all the free stuff on your birthday!) In between, there were meaningful reunions with my childhood best friend, another with one of my very favorite students (now a professional with an Audi), and yet another with my very favorite foreign student (now a year away from finishing his Ph.D.). Still to come: dressing up as Creepy Carrot and touring the houses of the Third Ward with my best friends.
Remember, if it’s your birthday month, you don’t have to feel guilty if someone belatedly wishes you a happy birthday. Two of my favorite people – sisters – left me a voicemail singing “Happy Birthday.” They apologized for being late. No apology was necessary.
