The Birthday Post

Posted by: on Jan 30, 2011 | 2 Comments

Yesterday was my 51st birthday….ho-hum.  Not sure when or why but at some point, my birthday became another day much like any other day, except I got cards, emails, phone calls, wishes on facebook and now even twitter (thanks JB).  So, maybe it’s a little better than most days because I hear from so many friends and being the social animal that I am, that’s a good thing.

There was a time in my life when birthdays did have a deeper meaning because it signified a specific age or a privilege that I was entitled to. At 13 I was bar mitzvahed and became a man in the eyes of the Jewish faith (an expectation I’m still trying to live up to); at 17 I got my learner’s permit and my license; at 18 I could drink legally (illegally….that’s a whole other story) because that was the legal drinking age way back when (which it still should be but who has time to argue that now), and so on and so forth. At this point, birthday’s are a number…an ever increasing one at that I don’t really put much value into.

At 51 when I look at the mirror, I honestly think “not too bad.” Hair is mostly all there and very few are gray.  Waistline is still good and I have several pairs of pants that will wear out before I out grow them or so I think.  Don’t think I fit into my college overalls any more but I do like looking at them on the upper shelf of my closet. Reminds me of a time when my birthdays took on a deep and spiritual meaning.  Oh screw that, I was so shitfaced on my birthdays back then I hardly remember them.

Yesterday and today Cosmo and I did our usual weekend walks in the reservation behind Old Short Hills Park.  Today was a beautiful day, mid 30s, fresh snow, very crisp air.  Out in the woods surrounded by the trees, the sky and the snow, it gives one a chance to reflect on life. Unfortunately, other folks don’t find these moments as spiritual as I do. One woman, who I have run into on more than one occasion, just can’t seem to give up her cell phone. She thinks a nice walk in the woods is the perfect time and place for a conversation at the top of her lungs. I would just love to have Cosmo piss all over that cell phone as well as her yappy dog. As for the crisp fresh air, the last couple of days some guy has been smoking a really nasty cigar while taking his walk. Just because your outside, doesn’t mean you can stink up the place and if you’re going to smoke, at least smoke the shit the kids do when they sneak in there at night. Certainly more pleasant smelling but just make sure you bring enough for everyone. I think Mother Nature would approve and it would certainly would help with the spirituality of the moment…if you catch my drift.

2 Comments

  1. julianne
    January 30, 2011

    just as funny at 51!!!!!! 🙂

  2. Bill Reinhard
    January 31, 2011

    Ira- Sounds like you’re getting cranky in yer old age…
    — happy b-day,

    Billy R

    ps- love your posts- keep ’em coming!