Remember the show Car 54 Where Are You? Well, I just turned 54 this week and it occurred to me that the title of the show must have been referring to getting to this age and not being able to find a damn thing! I am forever in search of my keys, my glasses, my cell phone, and yes, if the parking lot is big, my car. So Car 54 Where are you? Welcome to my world…  The nice thing is that people do tell me I don’t look my age. Happy to hear it. Then again, my favorite expression is you can fool the mirror but never the stairs!

The day was made brighter by the fact that I got to share it with my favorite Long Island writer friends. We had a blast at the Grand Luxe Cafe and was only sorry that everyone had to rush off because we were laughing ourselves silly. This is what happens when you combine the creative forces and serious estrogen of five women. But don’t we look great? We were four blonds and young one. From left to right is me, Ellen Meister, Carol Hoenig, Debbi Honorof and Brenda Janowitz.

Later that evening, I enjoyed dinner with my family. Given the ages and stages of our three kids, it’s been many years since we were all together on my birthday. It was great to have real conversation at the table- no food fights, whining, or crying. Used to be that dinner time sounded more like an opera- the kids didn’t say anything,they sang everything: Mommmmm, Zack is being mean to me. Mommmmm, she took my french fries…. Don’t miss those good old days (well maybe a little).

Now in celebration of my birthday, a very funny email that someone forwarded. It was so appropos.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A WOMAN

Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa , half
discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally beautiful!

Between 23 and 30, a wo man is like Europe , well
developed and open to trade, especially for someone with
cash.

Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain , very
hot, relaxed and convinced of her own beauty.

Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece , gently
aging but still a warm and desirable place to visit.

Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain ,
with a glorious and all conquering past.

Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel , has
been through war and doesn’t make the same mistakes twice,
takes care of business.

Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada ,
self-preserving, but open to meeting new people.

After 70, she becomes Tibet , wildly beautiful,
with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the ages…only
those with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for spiritual
knowledge visit there.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A MAN

Between 1 and 70, a man is like Iran ,

Ruled by Nuts

May it be a great year for everyone!