Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Column: Happy Birthday?

Two days ago was my birthday. I would like to say it was a joyous occasion with a day full of celebrations, but this was not the case.

This time of year is really busy at the newspaper, and since it was a Monday there was no time for any sort of shenanigans. My parents were in town the three days prior, so that was a nice time with good food and company, but it was a work, work, work type of week.

I used to look forward to my birthday, but not so much anymore. For some it is just another day on the calendar, but for me it makes me feel really old and puts me in a funk for a week.

Luckily this week I was so busy that I didn’t have time to think but my mortality and the ever growing gray hair, so that was a nice change unlike last year when I wanted to curl into the fetal position on the floor while Celine Dion was blaring from a stereo.

Since I have about 363 days until my next birthday, I would like to take a different look at it next year with the hopes maybe I can enjoy it like I did when I was a kid.

My birthday was always the sign that school was about to end and I would have a summer free to do pretty much whatever I wanted. In grade school I lived really close to the desert and would spend hours riding my bike. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t make it on my bike to the Corner Store these days, but I sure could go from sun up to sun down when I was younger.

I would have a countdown going in my head to May 15 and was eager for a party, presents, and seeing family. Even though I once got a creepy clown for a present, I loved seeing what I would get.

I’m hoping that when it’s 2018 I can start to get excited, not about the presents, but taking a look at the day and saying that I’m lucky enough to celebrate another year so I might as well make the best of it.

I think it would be awkward if I had the birthday at McDonalds and went diving in the ball pits, but I really think there should be a party.

There was nothing quite like having friends and family come together and to be the center of the occasion. Maybe I could have it at McDonalds because when I was little there was no indoor playground there. The playground was outside and all the equipment would get zapped by the sun and would send children screaming in pain the moment bare skin touched anything.

I’m not going to start making any plans yet, but I certainly want to write a column next year at the same time that talks about all the fun I had. I’m sure it will still be busy at work, but there is always time for a break. I’m also going to look at doing yoga or something with a spiritual aspect to it. That will surely get me out of the fetal position, or maybe that is a position in yoga. I should really try that out.

I was a little depressed this week, but am already starting to feel a little bit better. Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday Monday.

 

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