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Friday, February 18, 2011

49 and Counting

No, seriously--honestly--I'm turning 49 today or tomorrow, depending when you're reading.  I know, I know....nobody believes us when we say we're "39, 49, 59, 69...."  They always think we're skirting the reality of our humanity.  But, honestly, I am turning 49 tomorrow.  February 19, 1962.  The day before John Glenn orbited the earth.  I received my first AARP card in the mail a few weeks back.  I swear I thought they waited until you were turning 50.  I perused the possibility of receiving some sort of discounts at a casino or a free piece of pie at Denny's but decided to toss it in the rubbish bin. 

Some days it feels like I've learned a little something in my life.  Other days, I wouldn't count on my knowing anything.  There are days I feel like I'm on top of the world and other times that I feel like I should return to the starting point in my life and give it another go.  I began 2011 with this list of commitments to my own life.  Some are going better than others.  I'm grateful to be alive and thankful for all of my many friends who keep me going and put up with my shortcomings.  But I'm most thankful for my partner who has endeared himself to me over the years.  And who has easily taught me how to endear myself to him.  He is nothing short of life's greatest blessing. I cannot imagine this life without him. 

Today, I do what I've done for a few years now....post my mobile number for the masses to use....for a short time.  I know, I know....call me crazy.  I'd love a text or voice message or picture.  But please remember to tell me who it is so that I'll know who the message is from.  I've heard from so many of you on my birthday for several years now.  I can't wait to see how many messages I can get this year.  So, here you go, use me and abuse me for today only -- XXXXXXXX.  

And because it's my birthday, I get to do what I want.  And what I want is for the world to be a nicer and better place to exist.  I want for world peace, but who doesn't.  I want sick people to be healed.  I want mean people to go away....and the crazy people too.  That's all I want.  Easy, simple, doable.   Oh, and I want a piece of birthday cake too.....with ice cream. 

Thanks to you all for making my birthday, and this world, a much better place to be in.  I love you all dearly.

19 comments:

wcs said...

Happy Birthday, Arnie!

DanNation said...

Happy Birthday! And here's to us - older, wiser and realizing life isn't about quantity. It's about quality. And that you are. Would love to see you on a "layover" soon. Lots of love from Rich and me.

LSL said...

Happiest birthday to you, my friend! Tempting to text you this late, but I'll save it for tomorrow :o)

Wayne said...

Happy birthday Lewis!

Princessa lil mexico said...

Happy Birthday Daddy! Call you later!

WickedGayBlog.com said...

Happy Birthday!!!!! xoxooxoxxo

Blair said...

Yay! Happy Happy Birthday Sweetie!

anne marie in philly said...

wheeeeeeeee! another year older; next year, you get 50 spanks!

have a great birthday, dear! :-)

Mike said...

HBD!!!
It's my husband's BD today and I made him a martha Stewart cake inspired by a snickers bar. Hope you get something just as sweet and gooey ( with ice cream)

Vương Tử Trực said...

Happy Birthday!

Stephen said...

Happiest of Happy Birthdays. You are handsome,smart & sexy... a winning combo!

Stephen said...

... I we love you!

Steven said...

Happy Birthday, Arnie! Hopefully at about this time you'll be raising a glass to a toast for a fantabulous birthday! May it be the longest 365 days of your life before the big milemarker arrives. ;-) (((((Arnie)))))

Iron Fist said...

I would never believe you were 49 if you hadn't told me, you handsome scoundrel. Hope you are having a marvelous birthday!

Ron said...

I remember when John Glenn orbited the earth. I was 20 years old and stationed at Ft. George G. Meade in Maryland when I was in the Army and worked at NSA. I was in the physical rehabilitation unit, exercising my right leg which had just came out of a cast that was on my leg for eight weeks due to a dislocated knee caused by my "friend" Bill Johns goosing me when I was going for a long shot while playing pool. As my shriveled, atrophied leg was trying to lift the weights placed on my ankle I heard the cheers going up in the rehabilitation unit as John Glenn orbited the earth. Some things you never forget. And by the way, 49 years old? You're a mere child. How would you like to be looking at 69, as I am now.

Stephen Chapman said...

Happy belated birthday!

Buddy Bear said...

Happy birthday! I was also born in 1962; here's what the Chinese have to say about us:

People born the Year of the Tiger are deep thinkers, very sensitive and can have great sympathy for others. They are powerful and courageous. However, they can be extremely short-tempered and don’t respond to authority, especially if it’s from older people. They are sometimes indecisive and have poor judgment.

Mark in DE said...

Best wishes for a year full of all the things you want!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!!!!

I am right behind you, babe, will be 46 in April.

Ain't nothing but a thang!

Love, FFB