This birthday’s …on me

Column by ELLEN BOUKARI

It’s that time of year…again.

And that song keeps playing in my mind.

“And so this is Christmas, and what have you done?

Another year older, a new one just begun.”

Thanks, John (Lennon).

Thanks, a lot.

Yes, it is a new year, and yes everyone is another year older.

But, for those of us with January birthdays, Lennon’s words ring ominously clear.

It’s time for another one!

And January birthdays aren’t for sissies.

Christmas is still a recent memory, people are heading back to work, money’s tight, nobody really wants to think about another party; it’s cold outside, and everything is dead…or dying.

Of course, birthdays are a matter of perspective.  At age 5 having a birthday is great; around age 39 it just isn’t that appealing.

We know we’re getting old when the only thing we want for our birthday is not to be reminded of it.

That’s why when my birthday comes around each year, as it does annually the first week of January, I try and put life in perspective.

Each year brings with it more experience, a greater body of knowledge, and after so many years we can start cashing in on the “w” word – wisdom – gained from our rich life experiences.

I’m not sure if I’m quite there yet, but it does give me something to look forward to.

So that’s why this year, when it was time to add another candle to the cake, I did so with great aplomb.

And to those folks who are silently snickering that there is no cake large enough, or that such a cake would surely ignite quite a fire, the joke’s on you because I was just kidding.

I’m not crazy…just older…than I was this time last year.

After a deep breath, gut sucked in, and with chin held high, I resolved to celebrate proudly.

At some point the realization sets in that there are obvious benefits to getting older (other than the obvious alternative of not having a birthday, which is something most people do not celebrate).

Or to put it another way:  Better to be over the hill than buried under it.

Some people say to count your blessings, not your wrinkles.

So much for what “some people” say.

These dire warnings about tell-tale wrinkles are of no concern – can’t see them.

Amazing how God plans these things.

Just when those facial crags and valleys should start appearing, the eyesight compensates.

Close up vision today is as fleeting as was distance vision about 20 years ago.

So, as far as I am concerned, no wrinkles yet.

And that goes for dust balls under the bed, dog hairs on clothing and crumbs on the kitchen counter. Which reminds me, why did I come into the kitchen anyway?

Oh well, guess I’ll remember that later.

Imagine my excitement this year with the new athletic shoes my husband gave me for my birthday.  I envisioned myself youthfully jogging down the street fulfilling my annual New Year’s resolution to get fit.

That was last week.

Now I’m just as excited that when I stoop to tie the laces I wonder what else I can do while I’m down there.

Remember, we are not getting older, we are just getting better – and smarter.

But honestly, just how much better can we get?

Whether your birthday falls in January or December, or somewhere in between, happy birthday, and thanks to those who wished me the same.

And remember, while growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.