As of this minute (or a minute near it), there are 14 hours, 32 minutes, and 20 seconds (19 ...18 ...17 ....) left until my birthday.

I know that many people my age start to dislike the prospect of their birthdays because it's a reminder to them that they're getting older, as if that's a bad thing. Me, I'm looking forward to my 30's. All the 30-somethings I know are cool people, comfortable with themselves and who they are, not too old to still have a good time, not too young to appreciate how special those good times are.

And having a day that's all about me, even if everyone I know is working and I have to spend it alone, is something I look forward to every single year. I've taken tomorrow off, and made an appointment at Watercourse Way, then many hours of whatever, followed by a special dinner, made just for me, by someone who normally doesn't cook even for himself. It's going to be a good day.