Celebrating a Milestone
Mar. 24th, 2004 12:28 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mrdreamjeansOn March 22, I observed a landmark birthday. The celebrating began a few days early, raced through the actual day and will continue as various friends and family members come to the Pacific Northwest to see the theatre production in which I am performing.
My birthday "season" kicked off when my friend Steve arrived from Little Rock and his attendance at the opening of "Man of La Mancha", both on the 18th. It's been a joy ever since. I've received calls from as far away as Hawaii, DC, San Francisco and Boston, many from Houston; several cards; a couple of thoughtful and heartfelt presents and surprise celebrations at the theatre and "Bearoke" at Guppys in West Seattle.
There is no truth to the rumor that our Sunday matinee's interruption by a fire alarm had anything to do with the number of candles on my cake. There were also the appropriate number of candles on the cake when I celebrated with my Bear friends; I got kudos, a few awed looks and a couple of phone numbers when I blew them all out in one breath:)!
The Bearoke night was Broadway and Country-themed in my honor and there was a big sign saying "Happy Birthday, Neil" hanging from the video monitor. What made this evening special was that most of these guys are friends I have made in the past year and it was wonderful to feel so welcomed!
In the past two days, Steve and I have been to Snoqualmie Falls, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, historic LaConner, Washington and shared birthday meals at the Salish Lodge and PF Changs (with actor friend David); Changs is newly opened in downtown Seattle and the food was excellent. I stayed with my diet, except I decided not to count calories on the actual day. I did, however, keep to my workout schedule, my birthday present to me.
All in all it is the best feeling in the world to know you are appreciated, remembered and loved by folks from all of the walks of your life. I am happy to say I am 50. It is a milestone many of my friends from the 1970s and 80s did not make...that makes its arrival and celebration of it even more significant! I am delighted to be here and kicking! (It's also nice to know you have more people than your actual age who value you as you "approach" middle-age.)
I celebrated turning 30 in New York City, 40 in Chicago and now 50 in Seattle. Life is only getting better and I am finally learning to appreciate that life is what you make it. I wish for anyone who reads this the same kind of recognition by your peers and friends. Let the birthday season continue.....
My birthday "season" kicked off when my friend Steve arrived from Little Rock and his attendance at the opening of "Man of La Mancha", both on the 18th. It's been a joy ever since. I've received calls from as far away as Hawaii, DC, San Francisco and Boston, many from Houston; several cards; a couple of thoughtful and heartfelt presents and surprise celebrations at the theatre and "Bearoke" at Guppys in West Seattle.
There is no truth to the rumor that our Sunday matinee's interruption by a fire alarm had anything to do with the number of candles on my cake. There were also the appropriate number of candles on the cake when I celebrated with my Bear friends; I got kudos, a few awed looks and a couple of phone numbers when I blew them all out in one breath:)!
The Bearoke night was Broadway and Country-themed in my honor and there was a big sign saying "Happy Birthday, Neil" hanging from the video monitor. What made this evening special was that most of these guys are friends I have made in the past year and it was wonderful to feel so welcomed!
In the past two days, Steve and I have been to Snoqualmie Falls, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, historic LaConner, Washington and shared birthday meals at the Salish Lodge and PF Changs (with actor friend David); Changs is newly opened in downtown Seattle and the food was excellent. I stayed with my diet, except I decided not to count calories on the actual day. I did, however, keep to my workout schedule, my birthday present to me.
All in all it is the best feeling in the world to know you are appreciated, remembered and loved by folks from all of the walks of your life. I am happy to say I am 50. It is a milestone many of my friends from the 1970s and 80s did not make...that makes its arrival and celebration of it even more significant! I am delighted to be here and kicking! (It's also nice to know you have more people than your actual age who value you as you "approach
I celebrated turning 30 in New York City, 40 in Chicago and now 50 in Seattle. Life is only getting better and I am finally learning to appreciate that life is what you make it. I wish for anyone who reads this the same kind of recognition by your peers and friends. Let the birthday season continue.....
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