Birthday #38

As opposed to my last two previous birthdays of which found me living in the grandeur of Lake Tahoe; #38 was spent back in the overly familiar haunts of Wildwood, New Jersey. Despite the brutally cold and brisk weather I've had to endure here (Tahoe despite the snows is actually quite pleasant in winter with highs often in the 50s, lots of sunshine and no wind), and accidentally losing a personal check for $50 as a birthday gift from my parents (I'm hoping to recover it or replace it), it was a decent day.

My perspective on one's birthday is that it is truly a day all your own (at least in principle). It's a day to "celebrate" you and your life - or at least lend some acknowledgment that you "exist" and have made some semblance of an impact on those around you. I like that sentiment, despite having some reticence about being in any kind of spotlight. But on my birthday, it seems that it is an inescapable factor that comes with the proverbial territory. It is one day where I cannot go incognito...nope, I must be front and center for a time. And honestly, I have few objections to such.

For the record, my pals and brother took me to Red Lobster for dinner - a place I haven't been to since 1977. After hearing endless accolades and praise about their biscuits and other delights, I could offer no more resistance and trekked up to the closest franchise. Though it was nothing extraordinary, "RL" did not disappoint and with great service to boot. And yes, lots and lots of biscuits.

Though by no means my most exotic birthday, I can now document with confidence and assurance that I successfully made the transition from 37 to 38 with aplomb and panache. An impossible feat I would not have been able to attain, if not for the "assistance" from Red Lobster.