Birthday Blues No More

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:45:00 AM EST
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Update: So far it's been a great day. I'm thinking of all the things I have to be grateful for, like a career I love, great cases where I get to go to court and make a difference in someone's life, an incredible kid, good health and a blog that over the past eight years has produced a steady stream of caring and passionate readers. No more gripes from me. Have a great day!

****

Today is my birthday. I'm glad I'll be in court all day because I don't want to even think about it. But the TL Kid wants to take me to dinner, and it's unfair to be negative with your child, so I intend to have a good time. He's the designated driver, so at least I can have a drink or two.

So between court and dinner, I won't be blogging today. On the bright side, at least I won't be hiding in bed. [More...]

No gifts are required, but if you'd like to send something to make me feel better, you can do it through paypal here, or an Amazon gift card here.

In any event, enjoy your day, and for those of you in a younger decade, enjoy yourselves now, before you have things like skyrocketing health insurance premium bills (when you've never been sick) and threats of decreased social security to worry about.

I promise to be in better spirits after today is over. And if any of you believe your life is better after 50 than it was before, I'd like to hear why.

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Birthday Blues No More | 35 comments (35 topical)

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Think of it as (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by Anne on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 07:12:01 AM EST

the 31st anniversary of your 30th birthday - unless that makes you feel worse...

We're not dead yet, Jeralyn - I'm a few years younger than you are, but I can still see and feel the changes that age is bringing, and that actually kind of sucks because, in my head, I really don't feel all that different than I did when I was in my 20's - it's the mirror that reminds me - oh, yeah, I'm 57 - how did that happen?

The plus side? Great relationships with my kids, looking forward to grandchildren in the next couple of years - I hope - another wedding to plan soon, more time for my husband and I to spend together, being able to give myself permission to do more things just for me - that one's harder than I thought!

It's all good, really, when I look around and see what others are dealing with, and I'm sure, when you're blowing out the candles on your cake, looking across at your son, who represents the very best parts of you, you'll realize you have a lot to be happy about...

Cheers!

Happy birthday! (5.00 / 1) (#3)
by andgarden on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 07:36:22 AM EST

+1 (none / 0) (#21)
by Peter G on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:52:35 AM EST

to that.


: Plus 2 (none / 0) (#34)
by BackFromOhio on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 06:27:00 PM EST

and many more....
60 is the new 40 in my book

Funeral for a 23 year-old (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by honora on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 07:45:06 AM EST

I spent yesterday at the funeral of a 23 year-old young man (the son of good friends), who was struck by a car and killed. He had just graduated from college in May. Enjoy your birthday and try to appreciate all of the world's joys- too often we take them for granted.

Happy Birthday Jeralyn (5.00 / 2) (#5)
by MO Blue on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 07:46:48 AM EST

Some good things about being you age are

Your son is now old enough to work along side you, be your friend without all the responsibility, take you to dinner and be the designated driver.

You have been successful in your career, are able to still enjoy it while being financially able to travel or pursue other activities that you enjoy.

From the pictures I've seen, you are looking darn good to the rest of us.

You will be grandfathered in to receive SS as currently scheduled and in 5 years you will be able to save money by being covered by Medicare.

Nothing original to say (5.00 / 3) (#6)
by Zeno on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 07:48:35 AM EST

Happy birthday. Considering the alternative, etc., etc., etc. Besides, I'm about to join you and I'm not seeing a downside to being sixty. (I plan on being nostalgic about being sixty when I'm ninety.)

Happy Birthday (5.00 / 1) (#8)
by mymy on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 07:59:44 AM EST

I'm 62 and I'm Happy to be here.Think of the upside.You don't have to worry about fashion.You know who you are and are content with that person.Your still healthy and can do pretty much what you like. People have quit bugging you to do sporty things you don't feel comfortable doing.It is great on the other side of 60 now enjoy that blue sky and those beautiful mountains.

Happy Birthday (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by lentinel on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 08:13:30 AM EST

I can't pontificate on how growing older feels.
For me, the plus side is trusting my instincts instead of incessantly questioning them.

I thank you for your website and wish you the happiest of birthdays.

Happy Birthday... (5.00 / 1) (#13)
by kdog on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 08:42:39 AM EST

don't let it get ya down J...you enjoy yourself too, it's later than we all think:)

And remember health insurance bills and sweating Social Security, in the big scheme, hardly rate...compared to not knowing where your next meal is coming from, or walking miles for access to clean water...those are real problems. Gotta keep it in perspective ya know?

Like I tell my mom when she is freakin' about getting older and her healthcare costs and rising bills..."you got me and I got your back." I'm sure that fine son of yours has your back too, however raw the deal gets.

It's called "sexy 61" isn't it? (5.00 / 1) (#14)
by jeffinalabama on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 08:56:12 AM EST

Here's hoping you have a great day, with many happy returns! and after I hang with the Kdog, I might have to visit Colorado and buy you a belated birthday drink!

Except for stepping on the Four Corners marker, it has been about 25 years since I visited your beautiful state.

Keep fighting the good fight. You are gaining more allies and influencing people every day. Thanks, and again, happy birthday!

Fifty is nifty (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:03:58 AM EST

51 and ready for fun.
52 and not close to through.
53 and happy to be me.
54 and looking for more
...

Cheer up the best is yet to come.

Great photo J! You look Mahvelous! (5.00 / 2) (#17)
by ruffian on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:08:02 AM EST

Life after 50 (5.00 / 1) (#29)
by gyrfalcon on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 11:40:20 AM EST

Well, yes, there are down sides, particularly physical ones. But for me the up side is a substantially greater peace of mind. I'm not wondering who I am anymore, I'm not wondering what I'm going to do for a living anymore because for better or worse, that's been settled. I'm a good deal more philosophical about life and more easily accepting of its changes.

I don't have the kind of high-pressure, high-stress job that you do, but if you truly do love what you do, that's just a huge blessing.

Happy B'day Jeralyn! (5.00 / 1) (#30)
by squeaky on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 12:01:05 PM EST

There was a great painter by the name of Agnes Martin, who died a few years ago at the age of 92.

She said that the greatest gift life gave her was the last 30 years of her life. After 60, life became greater than she could have ever imagined.

Here is Agnes Martin at 85.

Do you think you are doing what you were born to do? If the answer is yes, then you are very lucky, and age will only improve your life.

Happy (none / 0) (#1)
by Ga6thDem on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 06:08:54 AM EST

Birthday Jeralyn! I hope it is a great one! Turning 60 is better than the alternative is what I keep telling myself.

Your eyes focus? (none / 0) (#7)
by CoralGables on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 07:50:34 AM EST

when you first wake up in the morning? You are blessed with young eyes, or cursed depending on your perspective. Mine can't see worth a damn anytime of day, but between bad eyes and morning blur the only safe time to look in the mirror is upon awakening when the mirror plays age friendly tricks.

Enjoy your birthday and remember age is only a number, you can change it with an eraser. Or in this day and age it can start with the backspace key.

Many happy returns! (none / 0) (#10)
by BTAL on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 08:29:08 AM EST

IMHO, in someways, it is just a number. Enjoy your day.

Happy Birthday (none / 0) (#11)
by Slado on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 08:36:40 AM EST

Thanks for putting up with a libertarian conservative crazy like myself.

Here's to many more!

Slado

Many more birthdays, I hope (none / 0) (#22)
by Peter G on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:55:14 AM EST

... not "many more" conservatives!


: If they were all like Slado... (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by kdog on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 10:27:02 AM EST

we'd be allright.
If all liberals were like Jeralyn, even better!

Happy Birthday Jeralyn! (none / 0) (#12)
by ruffian on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 08:40:11 AM EST

All I can add is a platitude from a pillow I bought for some friends in Evergreen:

"If you're lucky enough to live in the mountains, you're lucky enough!"

Look at those beautiful aspens, take a deep breath, and enjoy every day!

Happy Birthday! (none / 0) (#15)
by Militarytracy on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:00:27 AM EST

You look great, you have a great life and a great career and a great blog community....and great Bon Jovi seats. You've got it all girl.

happy (none / 0) (#18)
by Capt Howdy on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:34:18 AM EST

birthday!

I Feel Your Pain (none / 0) (#19)
by msaroff on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:46:36 AM EST

I am not yet 50, that's a couple of years off, but I hate my birthday.

I hate being the center of attention in a social situation where I am expected to be happy. I find it depressing.

My perfect birthday is to spend the day in bed alone, sleeping late.

Re: Birthday (none / 0) (#20)
by Harry Saxon on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:49:42 AM EST

Man weeps to think that he shall die so soon, woman that she was born so long ago.
----------------H. L. Mencken

You should go out for Chinese food, there's a custom of eating 'long-life' noodles on ones' birthday that you just reminded me of. :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! (none / 0) (#23)
by reaganlaw on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 09:56:37 AM EST

As long as you're still above ground and battling gravity, you're doing great!

Happy Birthday! (none / 0) (#24)
by lilburro on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 10:03:03 AM EST

Love the update...glad you are feeling better! Like many others your blog is something I look forward to reading every day. So thanks and enjoy your day!

: I more than look forward... (5.00 / 3) (#26)
by kdog on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 10:30:12 AM EST

to reading everyday, it literally gets me through the day!
I don't know if you guys noticed, but 99% of the internet is totally lame, J's blog is a 1%er...I couldn't stand the cubelife without it.

Happy Birthday! (none / 0) (#27)
by Madeline on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 11:38:01 AM EST

Birthday Greetings! (none / 0) (#28)
by christinep on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 11:38:29 AM EST

What a wonderful day to have a Birthday! Being in Colorado-land, we walk outside today and feel the cool breeze of morning with the soft blue of sky and still-green trees. Coming back from Squaw Pass and a meander around Echo Lake yesterday, I can tell you that the week will have gorgeous gold in the nearby aspens for your celebration. 'Love your attitude...it sounds like you have a brimming full glass of gratitude. Happy Year, Jeralyn.

Happy B-day J! (none / 0) (#31)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 12:14:29 PM EST

Have a great time with the kid!

Many happy returns of the day! :) (none / 0) (#32)
by NJDem on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 01:13:27 PM EST

Happy Birthday and remember (none / 0) (#33)
by vicndabx on Tue Sep 28, 2010 at 03:55:43 PM EST

age ain't nothing but a number!

Thanks to all of you (none / 0) (#35)
by Jeralyn on Wed Sep 29, 2010 at 12:47:29 AM EST

I really enjoyed reading your comments, they all made me smile and feel very lucky you have chosen to read and comment here.

It was a busy day but a good one. I have pretty flowers sitting next to me, and the TL kid even stayed long enough to help me install a new cable modem (This weekend, the new router.)

Thanks again everyone!