There is a saying "Be careful of what you wish for because you just might get it." For the past year I have been telling everyone I know with hearing that somebody better have a birthday party for me this year. And, go figure, somebody did!

It was originally supposed to be a surprise party, but the party planners really weren't on the same page. Well, it was a "surprise" to them when I found out about it and sort of took things over. My friend, Bill rented out the party room in the swankiest restaurant in Akron. No, it wasn't Denny's! The place is called CRAVE and I think the invitees were more excited about going there than coming to celebrate my special day. But, for whatever reason, they came.

It really did an old man's heart good to see the turnout. People I hadn't seen in years showed up. My oldest friend, Dave came. Back in the day, he and I wreaked havoc whenever we went out. You never saw him without me. He was the dark haired Italian stallion and I was the fair haired counterpart. We were like the "Hans and Franz" of Akron, Ohio. (Is that a good thing?) At least he has settled down, but I'm still not taking any prisoners. He did ask me if I'd "had any work done". The answer to him and EVERYONE who asked at the party is "NO!" Who can afford it? And, I don't need it anyway, But, still they look for the scars around my eyes. (What kind of butcher would leave you with visible scars around your eyes in the first place?!) I keep telling people "It's good skin care!"

I did have a good sized crowd. Although, I am still counting the people who RSVP'd and didn't show. Not that I was keeping track or anything. Of course, there were the obligatory gag gifts. A bottle of "Fabio" wine whose label read: Caution-Contents may be BITTER! And, a T-shirt that read: I'm too pretty to work! Kinda liked that one and I said you would gag!. Another that read: Akron-Where the weak are killed and eaten! I can wear that one to the gym at least!

The cake was exceptional, chocolate with a raspberry filling. It came out with sparklers on it. Note to self: YOU can't blow out sparklers! Even without blowing out enough candles that would have set off the smoke detectors in the restaurant anyway, I still got my birthday wish. I had my party!

Many thanks to all those who orchestrated, attended and those who remembered me with gifts and cards. I'm not having another birthday, so you're all safe now....