I have discovered how much I love birthdays.  By birthdays, I mean mine.  As I tell all those who get my wishes for their birthdays, “make everyone be nice to you.”  Tongue in cheek, but I think it’s at least a little bit deserved:  another punch in your ticket for trips around the sun.  Think of the miles you should get…

But I found that people really are nice to you on your birthday – if they know it’s your birthday.  There are a variety of ways to ensure this.  Basically they all equate to: just tell ‘em.  “Hey, 50ish years ago, you wouldn’t believe what my Mom did!”  That’ll get you a very nice sundae at Red Lobster (thanks, Rolando).  My family has described some of this behavior as the “Howdy Thing.”  I think that has something to do with me trying to be nice to tollbooth operators along the Autoroute in France.

Social media is evidently a great way to celebrate the blessed event.  But it means that everyone knows it.  The fact that I can get even a little of my medical information over the phone with just my name and date of birth gets the heebie-jeebies going.  I turned mine off – or so I thought.  Then a few months later, I got comments like “I didn’t know you were a New Year’s baby!!”  Thanks to all of you who sent nice wishes, but Facebook’s default setting took you astray.

Well, everyone was nice to me today.  I got phone calls from all my family.  They have a wide range of singing abilities.  Cards and presents.  What’s not to love?  A great night out with Linda and Helen.  Ate too much.

Happy Birthday to ya’

Credits/Apologies to The Beatles