You say it's your birthday...

“What do you want for your birthday?”


“Heck I dunno.”

“You must want SOMEthing!” said with surprise.

“I really don’t know. More socks maybe? I’ll get back to you.”

I am reaching another milestone birthday in a few days;”milestone” in definition for the fact that with splendid blessings, I survived my twenties (and thirties). I always say “it is not age; it is the mileage that gets ya.” There have been a few turns of the tumblers on this odometer. So, praise the Lord, I am lucky enough and thankful to enjoy another upcoming birthday.

*Author's Note – I am not trolling for birthday wishes, or any acknowledgement of any kind. Actually, I am more of a fan of a modest approach to my birthday, but if I would have mentioned another “milestone next Tuesday”, this post would just seem weird.

I find at this point in my life, I really am truly content. When asked what type of gift I would like, I truly do not have any decent suggestions I can offer to my loving friends and family. I find it a blessing that I simply don’t want anything that I can think of. I don’t see World Peace appearing wrapped in a little bow, getting a set of six pack abs is pretty much up to me year round, the missing hair is out of my hands (maybe more hats), and I always feel weird anymore asking for toys or knick knacks. I guess I am a gift card guy anymore if I have to conjure a suggestion.

I like that it takes effort to think of “stuff” I want. Nice that I don’t have things pop right into mind. I do love to cook, read, write, computers, and I have my hobbies. I just find contentment that even to accessorize my diversions, I am pretty okay. Don’t get me wrong, a rousing lap through a Sky Mall catalogue is always fun, I mean an automatic pet waterer is a must have, but then I think, how long am I leaving the dog to allow their water supply to dry up? Ah, the heavy mysteries of airline retail.

As I take the inventory of the “things” I may want, I take a detour to the personal inventory. I ask myself, “How ya doin’ man?” I respond, “Ya know, I’m a’ight”. As I take a state of the union of that which is me, I realize as with our country, there are things that need addressed, challenges ahead, and also cause for celebration. As with our country, I see I may not be perfect, but I got stuff going for me. My popularity rating is still high enough for my family to not change the locks when I am gone. (Pardon me while I check the doors.)

I find nowadays my birthdays are a time of simple reflection. I do not curse the ticking of the clock as it ticks all year long, and it does not just give a long gong once a year in March for me personally. I will occasionally look back at what I was doing a year ago; maybe a few years ago as well. I smile as I journey back, as I do when I receive one of those cards that tell what was happening on your birthday years prior. Quick trivia –

On my birthday, the Monitor and Merrimac armored warships battled to a draw in 1862

Chess player Bobby Fischer was born.

Arnold Schwarzenegger won his first bodybuilding title.

A U.S. stamp was five cents.

The average cost of a new home - $16,150 (No, I wasn’t born in the forties!)

Yes, I got one of these cards...from my insurance agent, but he remembered nonetheless!

Anyhow, my wants are low, the books balance, and my inventory is square. All I asked for was a homemade dinner from my mother and to have my kids with me. (My wife works late and we will celebrate at a later time). It is warming to hear my mother reflect on stories of my youth. She lights the room and is always a gift to be around. She tells stories of when she was my age. I like that.

The years do fly and at time the moments creep. Having a birthday does not bother me. I mean, what is the alternative? I have other things to keep me occupied other than cursing the progression of time documented by an annual celebration of my life. It’s all good.

I am only as old as I feel, and I notice that changes daily. I am only as happy as I choose to be, and that keeps me occupied as well. The things and titles I have or have held are of little importance compared to the really important stuff. I am luckier than some, but still have room for improvement. I recognize my blessings and making it to another annual milestone is one of them. Thanks goes to my parents for bringing me here, and getting the ball rolling for the first couple decades. Thanks to my wife, kids, family and friends, for the second couple of decades. The stories were compelling. And, God willing, if I am granted a couple more decades, I am excited to see what lies ahead. For the time being, just in case you were wondering, you can’t go wrong with Barnes & Noble gift cards!

Tony Anders ~ Born March 9, 1965 - ?