I’m Feelin’ Thankful For the Small Things Today…

Today at Fried Rice Thoughts, we’re celebrating the celebration of champions. It was on this day 34 years ago that my mother pushed me out of her womb and into this world. Given that the last two movies I’ve seen – Knocked Up and Waitress – largely centered around childbirth, I’m especially grateful for what she went through to get me here.

As I get older and more grumpy, I say that I don’t like to make a big deal about birthdays. But this morning, I’ve already been the recipient of some tremendous gifts and kindnesses. I’m touched and extremely grateful.

And thanks to Mis Hooz’s thoughtfulness and generosity, I will most certainly not be asking:

(courtesy of 609 Design and The Tony Kornheiser Show)

Be good today, everyone. But enjoy an adult beverage while you’re at it.

Me and Kanye down by the schoolyard

It often seems like everyone else except me shares a birthday with a cool celebrity, but I’m tossing that inferiority complex out the window. This year, I’m struttin’ loud and proud!

Kanye West, Boz Scaggs, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Nancy Sinatra, and I will be rockin’ it out – birthday style – today. I don’t know what those guys have in mind. Me, I’ll be cruising the town looking for the finest (free) birthday meats and cheeses to shovel into my mouth. Who’s going to have more fun? I mean, really?

And maybe I’ll hope – once again – for a Superman birthday cake.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I’m feeling thankful for the small things today.

(And good meals to come. Along with the sweet-ass package of goodies the mailman dropped off earlier this morning from Mis Hooz. You, my dear friend, are a pillar of sheer beauty and vast awesomeness. King Kong ain’t got nuthin’ on you!)

Remember, be good to each other. Danny Donkey loves you.

Let’s revel in my narcissism!

Please indulge this rather gratuitous post. Today is my birthday. (How old am I? I’m younger than 40! Whoo-hoo!) It’s a bittersweet one, of course, and the mood isn’t as celebratory as it could be, but we’re trying to enjoy the occasion down here in Charleston. Mom and Sis are taking me out to dinner at a Korean restaurant. Why a Korean restaurant? Mom and Sis made faces when I said I wanted a fried chicken dinner for my birthday.

“But Ian, it’s your birthday. You should go where you want.” Hey, I hear you, man. But maybe it’s just as well. I probably don’t need to be eating fried chicken, especially in this butt-hot and humid Charleston weather. Besides, I want everyone to enjoy the evening. That’s the kind of guy I am. And as long as we go out for ice cream afterwards, I’ll be a happy guy.

Or maybe I’ll get surprised with a birthday cake. Mom and Sis could be hiding this one in the closet.

Courtesy of The Cake Fairy

I would’ve loved that as a kid. But my nerd complex would’ve kicked in and pointed out that Superman has black hair. So again, it’s just as well.

After reading that today is also Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday, I was reminded of how I often lamented the fact that I didn’t share a birthday with any cool celebrities. But thanks to the wonders of the internet, my research can be more comprehensive than it used to be. Look at the party we June 8th guys would have! In the birthday lounge, Jerry Stiller, Boz Scaggs, Nancy Sinatra (let Boz do the singing, Nanc), and Keenan Ivory Wayans could all share drinks with me. And in the corner of the room, I could be nuzzling with Juliana Margulies and Maria Menounos!

Here’s what Maria might wear to the party.

Happy Birthday to me, indeed.