28 January 2007

Thirty-Six


January 28 is both the coldest, most god-forsaken day of the year...and my birthday.

I was born in Toledo, Ohio, in the middle of a snowstorm. The guy who helped me out was, no kidding, Dr. Bills. The omens weren't good, I must admit, but I've made it to 36. There is still some breathing room before the big four-oh (which is also the year Ellie will become a teenager).

At birthdays I like to take stock of aspirations and expectations. We had a Superman-themed birthday cake (which was cool). I had asked for--and received--presents that I'll use on my summer road trip down the Santa Fe Trail: hiking shoes, digital voice recorder, maps and books. Ellie goofed around, rearranging the numbers on my cake to read "63" insead of "36." We had a great time.
But if 36 is a waymark, what is it to me? Looking at the picture above, I'm heavier than I'd like to be, but with more hair than I expected to keep. My three kids are beautiful, simply beautiful, and my bride is still as gorgeous as she was the day I married her.
It's good to be here at 36, I guess.

3 comments:

Garnet said...

Happy birthday, JD! You should definitely try celebrating here in Kenya where it's sunny with blue skies, a light breeze, no humidity, and lots of gorgeous flowers. If you and your family would come I'd be happy to throw you a birthday party.

Amanda said...

Hey I didn't know your birthday was in January--happy birthday! Superman cake = VERY cool. Love the picture!

Norman McNulty said...

Happy birthday JD. I meant to write you 3 days ago as I usually remember your birthday even if I don't acknowledge it. I'm turning 30 in 6 months, so it's nice to know that you have prepared the way for the 30s for the rest of us cousins. :-)