Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. Things have been hectic lately, and it was good to hear so many well-wished well-wishes.

semibold asked me what I plan to do for my birthday tomorrow. Not much, since I need to stay home to meet the plumbers (we're remodeling the bathroom). Thus, I'll probably get up, pour some coffee, read the newspaper, then spend a few hours surfing the Web and writing in my office (which might be a challenge, since my office is directly across from the bathroom). I'm currently working on another shadow box, so maybe I'll spend a little time on that too.

At noon I'll probably go out to lunch at a local Mexican restaurant and order a batch of huevos rancheros. Either that or I'll get a cheeseburger at my favorite fast food joint. Then I'll return home and read for a little while. After that, I need to call a woman to set up an interview about Burr Oak Cemetery.

I'm hoping the plumbers finish by early afternoon, but I'm not holding my breath. If they do, I may go to Quimby's or another bookstore. I used to spend the whole day shopping for books and CDs, but since the advent of Amazon, it's lost its unfettered conspicuous consumption thrill. The number of used bookstores has severely diminished as well. Driving around on what's usually the hottest day of the year sucks too. The Air and Water Show already happened, so, bummer, I won't hear jets soaring overhead all day.

Mike often cooks one of my favorite meals for my birthday (one year she made amazing mini-meatloafs; another year she served up Indian food, which tasted like cumin-scented heaven). This year we might just go to Hema's Kitchen (Indian) or Chai (really, REALLY good Thai). Then... PRESENTS!

At some point I'd like Lisa Loeb to show up dressed as Batgirl, bearing a birthday pie, but that probably won't happen.

My birthday fun is usually spread out across a few days. Trying to do it all on a single day, I learned, is too hard and ultimately frustrating.

I look forward to celebrating Nate's birthday, because then I'll have an excuse for acting like a kid again.

Next: My Worst Birthday Ever!

Today is Todd Koleno's 41st birthday.

I know this because Todd lived next door to me while growing up, and our birthday parties always took place one day apart.

Happy birthday, Todd, wherever you are.

I always like to mention impossible gifts I'd like to get for my birthday. Such as the Janus collection of art house films. So, any long-lost rich aunties out there who'd like to buy their favorite long-lost nephew 50 years of pretentious cinema?

In case anyone, you know, cares...

Another thing I'd like for my birthday is a big fat Aquarius Records gift certificate.

But don't go to any bother, please. I'll manage... Sigh...

It's my birthday in one month (Note: As those who know and love me are aware, I celebrate a birthday month known as Dantoberfest, if only because I am a self-possessed pain in the ass. Yea, all preparations must be beginning for the feting of my sloppy issuance into this hellish earth.

So, what are you going to get me? Specifically, "What?" we should all ask ourselves, "Would Mr. Dan Kelly want most?" Besides your soul, naturally.

Actually, I wouldn't mind if someone picked up one of these for me. Shockingly, I've been too cheap to get one.

Happy birthday to mikester!

Happy birthday to monica and quixotic!

I think I missed pomobarney a while ago, so belated birthday wishes to him too!