Living the dream...since 1973

Birthdays. You either love them or hate them. I happen to love them. And not just my own; everyone’s. My birthday is only 3 weeks after Christmas and my mom always made sure to keep the two separate when I was growing up. She made each celebration epic so I wouldn’t feel cheated. This led to me cherishing my birthday as the special occasion it is.

Birthdays should be acknowledged – from the first to the last – with all the fanfare they deserve. Balloons, streamers, cake, singing…the whole nine yards. I prefer lavish celebrations that last the entire weekend, if not the month, and do everything I can to make sure others receive the same. My kids especially. When they were young, I’d go all out with intricate themes. I even designed a scavenger hunt for my son’s Indiana Jones-themed party complete with a mission letter and buried treasure. He still talks about it to this day. Of course now they’re older and all they want is money.

My friends and family often mock me for my birthday zeal. But I say, why not? It’s better than the alternative, right? Every day you wake up is another opportunity to make the world a better place just by being alive. Who wouldn’t want that gift? Our days are limited, so treat each one like it’s your birthday. Even if it isn’t.