HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Birthdays are excellent. A celebration of another year of life. In some situations, a year of life really is something to celebrate.

In Romania, at the coming into adulthood of a man he must eat pig testicles to instill himself with virility.

The Xtapl tribe deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest makes a man on his 30th birthday fight with a procession of 10 different men to prove his still worthy of his title of hunter.

Meanwhile on the Polynesian island of Nauru, males are set alone on an island with fishing spears and left to survive for a month on the anniversary of their birth (approximately) every year from their coming into adulthood all the way to the age of 40, at which time they are cast out of the tribe and forced to live in exile.

....when you consider these traditions, i suppose you could make the argument I had a good birthday. Of course at 37 I would already be long dead if this were like the movie "Logan's Run!"

Due to my recent promotion and job/family requirements I am forced to live 2000 km's from my family so I sit, alone, wallowing in my self pity. I mean really after you reach adulthood the rest of your birthday's just tell you that you're one year closer to a dirt-nap.

Of course I am not REALLY that much of a pessimist, besides after the stupid things I did as a kid, I am surprised I got to 37! ...ok who am I kidding, I have done lots of stupid things as an adult too.

....At least I'm not 40...

Until next time remember, no Payne, no gain!