The Birthday that would not go away…….

My birthday was last week. Quite honestly since I was turning (and have now turned….) 41, I had no desire to celebrate it. This “number” combined with the image I see in the mirror each day only reminds me that time is ticking away much faster than I would like. I did not announce it, broadcast it or advertise it and I left the entire calendar clear and free. Well it would appear that the people that surround me in my life were not going to let that happen. I spent Tuesday night at Grille 29 for a wine tasting event sponsored by Tampa Bay Uncorked as a gift from my new lady friend. Each course was paired with a specific wine and summarized by a representative of the winery located in Chile. Wednesday night was spent at the Cheesecake Factory with all of my colleagues who were in town from Chicago and New York. They had planned this whole event around my birthday and presented me with a “Golden Beanie” with a silver propeller. Now what made them think I need that particular item is beyond me but the Tiramisu Cheesecake paired with the St. Francis Cabernet was indescribable. Thursday night was spent at Macaroni Grill with an old friend who used to live near me and was in town for the night. I was having a great time after the third water size glass of “honor system” Chianti. Friday night was spent at Bar Louie with one of my best friends who I have not seen in a couple of weeks where I obliged myself with some good old fashioned chicken wings and beer. Saturday I cut all my hair off as a gift to myself and have now gone back to the clean cut and respectable look for awhile. At least until I reinvent myself again that is. (This seems to happen every couple of years.)

All of these events, combined with the numerous phone calls, e-mails, cards, letters and gifts prevented me from ignoring this birthday as I initially planned to do. On top of all this, I found out Friday afternoon that I had just received a raise at work. I was driving home late one night all alone with this stupid grin on my face and realized how happy and lucky I am. Ignoring all the wonderful events, delicacies and libations I indulged in last week, I came to the realization that I received one of the greatest gifts a man could ever wish for. That is the loving affection of family and friends as well as the respect of my colleagues. You never realize how many people have touched your life until little things like this happen. So today I steal a quote from Lou Gehrig’s 1939 farewell speech in Yankee Stadium (minus the reverb and echo):

“…..today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

It was a great week!!

TAH