HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

So how did the week start....MARTHA STEWART had a 'party' for 'Leap Year' Babies. It was over 170 Leap Year people in the audience, and it was so cool. The one thing I noticed is that the majority of the audience were women....so it made me wonder...."Is being a Leap Year Baby, and Being A Woman Somehow connected??

However, to answer the most asked question "If it was a party, did you get gifts?" Well she's no Oprah by any means!! She did give a digital photo player, you know one of those things that you can upload pictures, and it plays a continuous slide show. She also had this guy on who talked about Frogs. So there were all these Frogs in a pond...it was stupid! I don't know what the show's producer was thinking, but a bunch of us leap-year folks know she didn't look at the leap-year website and/or ask us. Just because it's leap year....doesn't mean we are frogs. DUH!!! The general concensus is that it was disappointing. Where were the balloons?? Where was the cake??? Oh well...It was nice to meet people from around the world that came (yes London, South America, Australia, and others were in the house!!)

No, the celebration didn't stop there. My BFF and her hubby invited me to celebrate in St. Thomas on their beautiful sailboat. Yup...sun, fun, sea and lots of celebrating. My trip started VERY EARLY on the 28th, with a small lay-over in Atlanta. What do you do when you have 2 hrs to kill in an airport...go shopping...then go drinking. As I sat at the Mexican food stand across from the gate, a very loud group came in. They told Jeff (the bartender) that their friend was celebrating his birthday and he needed a drink. So I asked when his birthday was....FEB 29th...ANOTHER ONE!!! He was turning 10, so I told him that 10 was a great year, and to enjoy it. I don't know if he believed me or not, but after he had a few beers, it no longer mattered. This happy crew was headed to St. John, through St. Thomas, so we were all on the same flight. Once I arrived in St Thomas, I called BFF who was still on the boat and would be arriving soon. So I did what any independent 11 year old would do...I got a taxi and went to the hotel. The driver Samuel was handsome, funny, and pointed out all the spots to go while I was on the island. I finally arrived at the Elysian Beach Resort and I'm really pleased. It is a really pretty property, with a friendly staff, and love the "thin-man" chef (originally from Washington State) who makes mean blue berry pancakes. The Ritz Carlton was 300 yards away, so we could enjoy the property, with out paying the price. Shhhhh don't tell.

All in all no matter where we went on St. Thomas - or the short boat ride to St. John, the food was wonderful, and the people delightful. [Speaking of boats...WOW, esp. the little one with the helicopter on the 2nd deck.] Tons of really fresh seafood, and the beef was almost as good as our favorite steakhouse in New York. What's more important is that there were 44+ rousing variations of Happy Birthday for the 4 days I was there. BFF's Hubby, would break into singing anyplace...passing any drink...even water. I think my favorite place was my birthday night when we went to Asolare in Caneel Hill overlooking Cruz Bay in St. John. It has one of the best views of the ocean looking out toward St. Thomas, and this is reason enough to eat here. Make sure you get a reservation as soon as possible, because there are a limited number of tables with a sunset ocean view. Once you take in the view, prepare for a fantastic meal. The restaurant specializes in Asian fusion food with continental touches. It was wonderful, they made it a wonderful memory with cake, a candle and the final Happy Birthday Song.

So the question now becomes...where do I party next? Well, I'm hoping in London in a few months, and then maybe Amsterdam. I know that there will be celebrations all year, for people that want to celebrate with me.

Yes I can hear you...what's the big deal..it's as someone I know says..."One step closer to the grave". Well to me, if I had one every year, I might not make such a big deal about it...but I don't. Every 4 years - I finally have a day that's mine...and after last year...I NEEDED to feel special.

A SPECIAL thanks to everyone (esp the x-factors) that sent cards, emails, calls and texts. There were some real surprises, but I'm deeply grateful that you remembered, and cared. A heart-felt Thanks to the folks at Delta Airlines for the upgrade. My deepest love and 'Thank-you-just -doesn't-seem-like-enough" to my BFF and her Hubby dear.

All I can say is, if you think 11 was a big deal...just wait until I turn 16.

5 Days until I Celebrate!!!

Yes, this is exciting for me!!! YIPPIE!!! I get a birthday...finally on Friday. I know you're saying...HUH??!?!?

Well being born on Leap Year hasn't always been easy.

As a child, my parents made it special and the years I didn't have my own day, I celebrated with my Dad who is Feb 28. Maybe that's why we're so close...nah...he's (they both are) good people.

As I grew, I met a few other people who shared the day. We have the same stories of people not appreciating their day, and constantly saying to us..."so does that make you 4 in dog years?" or "You don't have a birthday anyway, so I didn't get you a card/gift." or.."So when do you celebrate?" or my personal favorite..."That's so weird!!"

Makes a person kind of sensitive ya think??

Well here are some of my favorite birthdays...

I think I was turning 8 (32 yrs old) NPR a local NYC Radio station had a birthday party for leap year babies. The party was at the NY Plaza Hotel one of the penthouses. It was amazing!! There were news crews, a huge cake, and our gift was spending a night at the Plaza hotel. OH MY GOD!! As a New Yorker I've often passed by, but never stayed there. It was definitely old world charm, and the folks couldn't have been nicer. In the end we got a robe that says "NY Plaza", I still have it.

When I turned "10" (40yrs old), I had a great birthday party. I had really close friends, family meet at a restaurant here in the city on Park South (it's no longer there). In order to create a theme I choose my favorite things from being 10. So I went to a candy store and bought candy that I remembered from the 70's. There were Pixy Stix, Wonka Tart N Tiny, Sweetarts, Laffy Taffy, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Candy Cigarettes, Apple Heads, Cherry Heads, Lemon Heads, Charms Sweet & Sour Pops, Double Bubble Gum, Sugar Daddy Pops, and put them all in a clear candy bag with my baby picture on it. I had my BFF place a 'candy' gift bag on every place setting so everyone got a take-a-way from my party. Just like kids parties do. That year I also ran in "More" magazine's 1st over 40 marathon with my BFF, and then had 3 additional small parties (Fla, Amsterdam, NC).

So what will I be doing this year - turning 11? Well Martha Stewart is doing a "Leap Year Birthday Party Show" so I'll be there - can't wait!!! Right after her show, I get on a plane and head to St. Thomas where I'm going to celebrate with my BFF drinking in the sun (and I'm sure some other equally pretty colored cocktails), and having the fun I deserve. Then I have with promises from friends in Italy, Amsterdam to have a small party for me when I visit, and I'll probably have another small family party in N.C. My dream however is to visit Marrakesh. If I got to Marrakesh that would really make turning 11 a dream come true. Last year I was dealing with a lot of health issues so I feel like I lost the entire year, so I'm really looking forward to making this year a great one. I've tried this my last birthday, and am doing it again this year. I took the self-imposed challenge to read 40 books the year I turned 40. This year it will be 44 - so far I have read 10.

My hope is if you know someone born on Feb 29, do what you can to make it special for them. I'm sure they remember your birthday year after year...so THIS YEAR, do the same for them. Believe me...it IS important.

Being President is a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Oh, the race is getting closer. I've tried not to take a side yet. I'm watching, listening, and observing. It is in believing that the candidates will show their true selves sooner or later. Don't get me wrong, I did cast my vote in the primary and am proud to say, helped my candidate win our state.

I must say that as someone who supports strong, positive, and smart, my lean is toward anyone who reflects these qualities. This doesn't mean that it is 'All Hilliary All The Time', nor does it mean that 'Obama is the right person', because we share the same culture.

It really angers me when people ASSume that I'm voting one way vs the other based on sexism or race. People WAKE UP!! This country no longer has the strength that it once had. We are laughed at and ridiculed by countries that have 1/3 of the resources we have, simply because of this present administration. Now I know my ex - who is a republican will say that only the republican party can set the course for truth wealth. If that's the case, then why has the economy gone in the tank, and why is the US dollar worth less in the European market day after day. Pretty soon, the dollar won't be worth the paper it's printed on. The thing that concerns me...WHEN are we going to find Osama...I mean that's why we got into this war in the first place right???

But back to the candidates....

When I think about this Obama, I am struck by this good looks, voice, charisma and what I really like is "behind every strong man...is his wife (Michelle). Now that would be a race to the White House. Let's see Michelle Obama vs. Hillary Clinton race to the White House.

Barack Obama has proven that he can be a force to be reckoned with. He was this beautiful orator at the 2004 Democratic convention and lite that place on fire. He has the skill and the ability to draw in his listeners by the inflection in his voice. Is that enough to track down those that wish to do this country harm, I don't think so. This is NOT to say that he isn't smart, he is. He is a lawyer by training, and has to be smart enough to know that if he wins...he won't be in "Kansas anymore". It's not to say that no one knows everything before taking the office - that's obvious. I wonder if he didn't have the power of 'almighty 'O' if he would carry some of the states he has.

Look I'm not taking anything from Barack, nor am I saying that Hillary is perfect. I'm still listening, watching, talking to those who may not share my view. My prayer is that in the end, people vote for the man or woman who will lead this country to greatness once again.

Valentine's Day Should Be An All Year Thing

Valentine’s Day celebrates gestures of love and affection as much as it does romance.

The history of this annual event revolves around several legends, including an ancient pagan purification and fertility festival called the Feast of Lupercalia, which, in about 498, A.D., Pope Gelasius declared officially as February 14. But Valentine’s Day speaks primarily, to the legend of a Roman named Valentine, the third-century A.D. priest who secretly married young men and women when Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage. The emperor felt that young men did not join the armies he needed so badly at the time, because they did not want to leave their wives and families. Valentine disagreed. For his compassion, Valentine was eventually imprisoned and beheaded.

During his confinement, it is said that Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. Before his death, the priest apparently wrote a farewell love letter to his sweetheart , which he signed ‘From your Valentine’ — a sentiment that became quite popular and continues today.

The oldest known Valentine is from Charles, Duke d’Orleans. While imprisoned in the tower of London, the Duke wrote a note to his wife that later inspired one sent from King Henry V to Catherine of Valois. By the mid-eighteenth century, men and women would commonly exchange tokens of affection and letters, and printed cards became available in the mid-eighteenth century. Today, more than a billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year in the U.S.

We also exchange about 180 million roses on this sentimental day. Why flowers? Perhaps we can trace them back to Father Valentine, as well. It is said that some of the young couples whom Father Valentine married in secret would visit him in jail, bringing with them notes of gratitude and flowers ... which leads me to our story.

For Valentine’s Day this year, I suggested to people that it be skipped. Girlfriends gasped...Malefriends...cheered. Yea...the fella's like me for this one.

WHY???

Let me suggest that I am the most sentimental person you will ever 'meet'. I love the holidays, I remember everyones birthday and send cards, I love any reason to celebrate. This is however, the one holiday I feel deeply for my male friends. Where are their flowers, or chocolates? Ok, some suggest that a man that goes to Victoria's Secret to buy his lady love a little...somethin'-somethin' is really buying it for himself. I agree. This way both are happy (unless he buys the wrong size...but that's another topic).

The foundation of St. Valentine was based on the heart - not the pocketbook. Frankly, I crave the written word. We as a society no longer take the time to express how we feel to each other. We don't write anymore - no I don't mean emails...I mean the 'old-fashioned' pen to paper. Getting a card and just signing it - doesn't do it for me, nor many of the women I know. Even the obligatory "I love you" seems to have lost it's passion. Guys, women want PASSION. Yes the flowers are nice - but bring them home on an off Wednesday...just because. The candy is nice, if you like that sort of thing (I'm not a fan of chocolate). Find out what that 'thing' is for your lady love. If it's the movies...then take in the chick-flick without complaining. If saving for a house, vacation, or some other big ticket item is what she wants...then just MAKE THE CARD!! Get to know your woman.

Ladies I'm not saying that you should lower your expectations of being treated a bit extra-special, but fair is fair. How about arranging it so the 'boys' can have uninterrupted game time the weekend before/after Valentine's day. If you can afford it, get tickets to a game (if it's NBA All-Star Weekend 2009 (will be in Phoenix, Arizona, or Superbowl 2009 in Tampa, Fla, ...you'll be the best ever for years to come) If you can't afford tickets, then no interruptions, finger food, and ask if you can join them. You might be surprised if your honey says "yes". If he says 'no', then this is time for you to retreat to the other room, or go spend time with your girlfriends. Don't take it personally, but show you care enough to make sure that there is enough food and drink for them, and when you come back to the house, and if it's a bit of a mess don't complain, just clean it up. After all it's just 1 day and this was your way of giving him what he wants. You may be surprised. He may be so grateful that he helps without you having to ask. Now, if you know he wants nothing more than to spend time with you, then YOU go to Victoria's Secret - no you BOTH go, and get something you both will enjoy.

Personally, I think that the 'love' that you're supposed to express on February 14th should be a year long thing. I can't see fighting 364 days of the year, and then on this day having a truce just because some sort of gift is expected. I hate the fact that the price of red flowers, not just roses triples and the poor guys are 'forced' to buy them. I think the need to buy something - anything just so you don't come to your partner empty handed, is crazy. I'd rather get a passion filled sentimental card, and flowers when they are least expected wouldn't you?? I know a lot of people will disagree with me, and that's fine. Remember in the end flowers die, but the thoughtfulness of your written word, unselfish act, or your year-long demonstration to your partner that you honor your relationship, will live a lot longer.

Last week...no post?? What's up with that??

So I know...actually my mom (who I love dearly) said..."you didn't post anything new on your blog last week."

Yes mom. I know! I've been a bit busy but I realized that she brings a valid point.

I wanted to create a cycle where I get into the rhythm of posting and by not, that isn't fair. How can I become a better writer if I don't...write?

All I can say in my defense is that my BFF (best friend forever) was in town, and we've not seen each other for a long time. I wanted to spend my time with her, being a girl, and catching up on all the latest. I also just needed to be in the company of a woman that I really consider my sister. Writing - well...it took a back seat.

So if you were looking for a post last week, and were disappointed, I'm sorry. I'll try to not let it happen again :-).

I'll post this week's 'view' soon.