CONTINUING THE CELEBRATION, ALL MONTH. After a couple of birthdays, it seems like one day just isn't enough. Make it a month. (Photo via Unsplash)

With age, I’m told, comes wisdom. We can only hope. And so, as I’m completing another trip around the sun, I’m celebrating a “birthday” MONTH rather than a “birthday” DAY or WEEK. No more trying to fit all the celebrating within 24 hours.

Celebrating a birthday month allows time for get-togethers with different groups of friends – childhood, high school, college, first job, clubs, interests, and beyond, as well as family and coworkers, for the pluri-employed like me.

It’s already the middle of the month, and I’ve had some kind of event most every day, all within the boundaries of Eau Claire, unlike the year where D.C. friends hosted a garden party in hot and humid Alexandria, Virginia, and Chicago pals hosted a rooftop party in what weather forecasters called the hottest summer EVER in Chi-town. 

The prelims started with a watch party for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, next the first day of the Chainsaw Carving Competition, then a class reunion at a local hotel, capped off with a dinner with the fam at the new Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen. Next up, celebrating with Italian Ice with my birthday twin at work. And will I ever forget that rally at the Eau Claire Event District with 11,999 of my closest political friends? Nope, never. Ranking high on the list was being serenaded by three co-workers at the end of a short work shift followed by a free scoop and more at Ramone’s with a bestie. (Do check out all the free stuff on your birthday!) In between, meaningful meet-ups with my best childhood friend, another with one of my most favorite students ever (now a pro with an Audi), and still another with my most favorite international student (now one year away from completing his Ph.D.). Still to come: dressing up as Creepy Carrot and a tour of Third Ward homes with my core gal pals.

Remember, with a birthday month, there’s no guilt about anyone wishing you belatedly. Two of my favorite people – sisters – left me a voice mail singing Happy Birthday. They apologized for being late. No apology needed.