Yes. Today, I have achieved 44 successful years of staying alive on this planet. Why stop now? Let’s keep this bus moving for another 44 years because going through this life with you (my husband, family, friends, acquaintances, mortal enemies, and general rabble) has been an honor and a pleasure. You guys make life worth living, and every day with you is a gift.

I know. I know. I sound a little soft and mushy hearted, but my 44 years is a lot more than many people receive. So, I’m just really glad to be here. It’s a good day.

When I was younger, I would have been looking forward to the presents, the shiny objects, a road trip, a grand dinner, or something along those lines. Now, I really can’t think of a single thing I need or want for my birthday. Sure, maybe it’d be great to have my bills paid or something like that, but presents really aren’t my thing. However, people are my thing. You, the person reading this post, are my thing. What I want for my birthday is for you to have a good day because a good life is built one day at a time.

While I have you here, I might also mention that should you be in the Boston area between February 13-15, 2015, it would be great to see you at Boskone–New England’s longest running science fiction & fantasy convention. Normally, I wouldn’t include a pitch for a convention in my birthday message, but I’m head of programming this year and what’s the sense in throwing a party if you can’t have your friends there to celebrate! 🙂

So, in closing and in honor of Marie Antoinette, I say, “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche!” In other words, and with my own special twist, “Let us eat cake!” — just make mine gluten free.

Thank you for sharing my birthday with me,
and I wish a very happy unbirthday to you!