Happy Birthday to Me

It was my birthday yesterday. 38. Birthdays are a good time to have a few drinks, sit back, and think about where you are and where you've come from- the years gone by and the ones that lie ahead. It's been a good year. It's been a good life.

I am one of the most fortunate people anywhere. Ever.

I have been blessed with the good fortune of being born, a human being, on this earth, in the United States of America. Today, in the year 2010, I find myself in world of privilege, opportunity, and material comfort. The world has provided an abundance of games and music, sights and sounds, wonderful people and fantastic foods. My daily cares and concerns are generally small and petty. Few of them are worth recounting. Most are easily resolved.

My job is lucrative enough to provide a comfortable life for my family. It is stimulating enough to be gratifying. My colleagues are pleasant and competent. My work keeps me busy but doesn't overwhelm my life - leaving me time to spend with family and pursue my interests, hobbies, and amusements.

Every year my two sons grow more interesting, more confident, and more independent. I see myself in them and see them growing into themselves. This is the 23rd birthday I've celebrated with my wonderful and lovely wife, Christine. That's a lot of years. But time has spared us the worst of its ravaging. With a little regular maintenance, we both carry our years well. I am fortunate to share my life with such a wonderful wife, mother and friend - someone who complements and supports me. I am blessed to have someone who tolerates my eccentricities, diversions, and perpetual distractions.

In the past year, thanks to the technological marvels of our time, I have been able to reconnect with a great many people. There are so many old friends, lost classmates, physically distant relatives, kindred spirits, and interesting souls met along the way. Maybe we get together once or twice over months and years. Many of you I had no expectation of ever hearing from again. Now, from afar, I get a rolling window into your world. I can see the snapshots of your life, share in your stories, banter a bit, and follow your ideas and interests.

This year also marked, for me, a return to writing. It has been a pleasure to take the thoughts rattling around my head and find a home for them. My natural state is introverted and standoffish. So I'm enjoying this little soapbox. I like being able to share my views with friends, acquaintances, and a few strangers. I appreciate you for taking the time to consider my musings.

The year to come holds great promise. Perhaps my little company stands on the financial success. Perhaps another long-held dream will bear some delightful fruit. Whatever comes, I will share it with wonderful family and friends.

It is a happy day. Thank you for being part of it.