Like many of our GG readers, I couldn’t help but crack a smile at the first-hand account of Tasha’s birthday antics earlier this month. After all, it’s the one time of year when you get to feel special…truly special.
When we’re little, the annual milestone conjures up images of cake, parties, presents, and adding one more finger to our age. Once the double digits are conquered, the next big excitement involves becoming a teenager, then a driver, and finally a legal drinker.
But something happens once we get into our thirties—the excitement seems to die out a little more each year. Perhaps it’s because those of us with kids see how fast everything is moving. Maybe it’s because we see peers now facing hurdles we always equated with older people (divorce, job loss, illness, etc.). Or maybe it’s depression—you know, the kind that hits you between the eyes the very first time you have to check a box on some survey that lumps thirty-something’s with retired folks.
Now, if I can be philosophical for just a moment  , I think the problem comes from the way in which our view of birthdays tends to shift as we get older. No longer is our special day seen as the beginning of something, but, rather, the end of something.
Hmmm.
I bring this up because I’m getting ready to have a birthday of my own in just over three weeks. Yet, unlike Tasha, I will no longer be hanging on to my thirties by a few mere fingers.
Uh huh. That’s right. In twenty-three days my last little finger will be pried from the edge of the cliff whether I like it or not.
And, for the record, I don’t.
Like it, that is.
Then again, the last few years haven’t been terribly fantabulous either, so maybe it’s time to dig up the attitude of my youth and see January 10th as the beginning of something wonderful, rather than the freefall from the edge of a cliff so many of us hang onto for dear life.
So that’s where I am today. Planning.
Yep, I’m planning the day I will willingly—and happily—pull my finger from the edge of the wall. Sure, the tough stuff will still be there the day after my birthday, but I’m going to celebrate THE day as a new beginning. A day to take a deep breath, embrace the cards I’ve been dealt, and to start playing out my hand the best way I know how.
Which brings me to location—because, after all, a birthday celebration must have a where, right?
I’d been toying with a beach locale for a little while, mostly as a much-needed visual pick-me-up to get me through the latest round of tests. But, despite the allure of salt water and wearing a new bikini, the notion of spending a few days on a beach got shoved to the side by the image of a stone bridge in New York’s Central Park.
Yep, a stone bridge. In Central Park. Sixteen-hundred miles away.
You see, last week, while getting the bookstore ready to open, I picked up a calendar of New York City and flipped it over. On the back were twelve black-and-white photographs of various landmarks throughout the Big Apple—one of which was this stone bridge. The same stone bridge that flashed through my mind this past weekend while lying in an MRI tube.
Fate? Perhaps. Some odd premonition? Who knows. But the scene brought me a measure of peace and a very strong sense of hope. Like maybe the path I’m meant to be on will start fresh at that exact spot…
In twenty-three days.
So I guess it’s safe to say the where has been decided. The overall where, at least.
I’m going to spend my birthday in New York City (kinda like Meg Ryan’s character in Sleepless in Seattle…minus, of course, the letter from the love-of-her-life who tells her to meet him at the top of the Empire State Building at a specified time).
Now I just need the parts that go along with the locale.
Stuff like… Where should I stay the night of my birthday? What should I do that day? Should I get dressed up and see a Broadway show? Should I take myself to some fancy restaurant? Should I lace up some skates and take a spin on the ice in Rockefeller Center? Should I go for a horse and carriage ride in Central Park? Or should I go window shopping and eat in Chinatown?
I don’t need expensive. Just special, memorable. The kind of day and night that will mark a new beginning…like a birthday should.
So come on, help me plan my day.
Hugs,
Laura
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OK, I highly recommend the Library Hotel. You can’t go wrong in a place that has books everywhere and that gives you a Do Not Disturb sign that says “Shhhh…let me read….”
(Plus, they give you free wine and beer every afternoon…)
Second, who’s to say you’re not going to get a letter from the love-of-your-life? He could be standing right around the corner, waiting for the moment he can wow you.
And if you haven’t met him yet, you’ve still got enough time to make the connection before the big day.
AND….once you do, I’m thinking you can leave the details to him. Because what’s better than a man who can take swift, decisive action and plan something really special?
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P.S. When exactly are you going???? Details, please!
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Tasha, wow, but you sure can paint an image!!! Consider the Library Hotel in contention. As for the rest…unfortunately, that doesn\’t appear to be in the cards for me anytime soon, but it sure is an amazing and fun image.
As for when, exactly, and details…ALL I have inked at this moment is my flight. Used my very last set of vouchers for this but a new start is worth it, don\’t you think?
Anyhoo…I land in Newark at 10:50 A.M. on the actual morning of my birthday (the 10th). At this point I\’m thinking I\’ll bypass a car rental in favor of figuring out the train. Though, borrrowing on your idea of details being taken over…I had to grin at the notion I\’d step off the escalator to get my bags from baggage claim and see some well dressed guy standing there with one of those signs in their hands (like the chauffeur dudes have) that simply says, Laura.
Can you imagine? Sigh. Now THERE is the beginnings of another romance novel…
by Laura
on December 18th, 2007 at 6:27 am
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Oh! Does anyone know about that place in the city where you can stand on line and get cheaper Broadway tickets? I\’m pretty sure there\’s a time you\’re supposed to be there (if I go that route). Anyone know what time that is?
by Laura
on December 18th, 2007 at 7:48 am
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I’m shocked that you’re bypassing the beach! But NY sounds wonderful. I think the ice skating sounds perfect, followed by some hot chocolate (white, just for you)–and love the idea of the guy with the sign…
by Heather
on December 18th, 2007 at 8:22 am
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Laura, I’m afraid I won’t be much help with planning since I don’t know NY, but I’m sure Tasha and others will make sure you have all the details to have a great time. And Tasha’s right. Don’t write anything—-ANYTHING—-off. Who knows what can happen when you embrace the present and the future. Love-of-your-life letters do happen, you know. I hope you have an awesome trip and a wonderful birthday.
by Sara
on December 18th, 2007 at 8:23 am
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A quick check before I head off to work…
Heather, you know something? The skating and the hot chocolate sounds pretty perfect to me. I\’ve always been a pretty decent skater. Can even do a little spin without falling on my butt  !
Sara, not sure if you guys are good or bad for me. But who knows…maybe you\’re right. Maybe, one day, a letter like that will happen. In the meantime I\’ve added one trip detail just now (though it\’s more of a preparation thing than actually related to the trip itself). I\’m going to let Kevin (my hair dude) have his way with my hair before I go. Whatever he wants.
Within reason.
by Laura
on December 18th, 2007 at 8:30 am
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I’d definitely do the Broadway show (but then I’m an old theatre-hound…) Here’s the deal on TKTS:
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TDF operates two TKTS Discount Booths in New York City
1. The Times Square Booth sells day-of-performance tickets only.
2. The South Street Seaport Booth sells tickets to evening performances on the day of the performance, and matinee tickets the day before.
TKTS accepts only cash, travelers checks or TKTS Gift Certificates. Both locations sell tickets at 50%, 35%, and 25% off full-price (plus a $4.00 per ticket service charge, which helps support other TDF services and programs). Availability and ticket inventory change throughout the day and at the discretion of individual productions.
Play Only Window
At the Times Square Booth, the “Play Only” window does not sell tickets to musicals, dance or music performances. The line for this window therefore often moves more quickly.
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I don’t know anything about a train from Newark to the city; I always take the bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal. It leaves every 15 or 30 minutes, or it used to. If you’re not used to New York, and especially if you’re dragging luggage along, it might be easier for you to get a cab, though. The crosstown blocks are long ones!
Sounds like a wonderful trip. Have fun!
by JennieB
on December 18th, 2007 at 9:16 am
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Okay, first I just want to welcome you to your forties. It’s been, by far, my favorite decade. The decade where I found the right guy, found the right career, felt like I was finally in charge. I’m loving it.
Okay, for the Big Apple, Tasha’s hotel suggestion sounds great, but you might also want to check out the Algonquin–they have special rates for authors. Seriously. Yes, go to a show. During a slow time at work, pick up one of the Frommer books on NYC. Also, I’d be tempted to get a martini at the 21 Club (where Bogie propsoed to Bacall!) or Tavern on the Green.
Have a blast!
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You mean I’m going to have to cancel that BIG BLOWOUT BASH I was planning for you? Complete with celebrities? I’ll try to get my deposit back on the Chippendales.
I even planned on inviting Theo.
I’d welcome you to your 40’s but I left that decade kicking and screaming a few years ago. My big accomplishment was finishing the first draft of my first novel on my 50th birthday.
I wish I could help you with the details of NY, but the last time I was there, I was chauffered around in a Black Escalade with a guy who could get you into any restaurant or club. I had a couple of fabulous meals that I would never have been able to afford and a couple of drinks on the rooftop bars that are springing up out there. That’s a long story and has to do with my day job affiliation.
Well, have fun Laura and I hope you come back all refreshed and recharged.
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Theo suggests a couple of New York hotspots: The Dakota and The Audubon Ballroom. Good times!
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I so can’t believe that you’re going to be 40!!!!
I’m voting for the guy in the airport with the sign. Love that!
You could hit 21 Club a la Bogie & Bacall and then go to the Empire State Building a la An Affair to Remember…..
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Hey, Laura, I don’t know New York, but I know there are wonderful, wonderful times ahead of you — the best is yet to come, my dear, believe it or not.
And planning for them is a wonderful idea — and something we could all try in our lives.
Sending advance birthday hugs and good wishes your way!
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“No longer is our special day seen as the beginning of something, but, rather, the end of something.”
Now that’s just quitter talk. Of course it’s the beginning of something. Another year. Another chance to get things right or wrong, enjoy the mistakes you made the year before and know you’ll make again. An opportunity to try something new, have new victories, make new friends.
The end of something. Pfft. Cut that out right now, missy, or we’ll send Will and his Chippendales over to do something drastic. Then again that might not be much of an incentive. All depends on how you feel about hot oil, I suppose.
2008 will so kick 2007’s ass. And 40 is the new 22, or something. Besides, I don’t believe you’re 40. 25? Maybe. Next thing you’ll be saying the rest of the Good Girls are out of their 20’s when it’s obvious from their assorted candid shots that they’ve got quite a ways to go before they even begin to think about 30.
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Did I say Chippendales???
I meant Chipmunks. Alvin Theodore and Simon.
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Jennie, that show information was AWESOME! I guess I know where I’ll be heading after I actually get into the city. So, taxi from airport to city? Or just from Port Authority to hotel?
Judy, thanks. I hope my forties are as wonderful as yours!!!
Thanks, Will! I’m not a Chippendale kind of gal. I like my men real.
Theo, you surprise me!
by Laura
on December 18th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
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Tasha, LOL on the guy with the sign. It was simply an image spawned by your first comment. A fun thing to imagine for just a second…
Thanks, Diana. Hugs to you too!
Stephen, Stephen, Stephen…I said people tend to see birthdays as an end of something as they get older. I’m saying I’m *not* going to do that. I plan on making this birthday a fresh start. The whole “best is yet to come” thing…
Will, now the chipmunks are more like it. 
by Laura
on December 18th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
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Hey, why have it only for a second? You never know when some hot, virile hunk might show up at the airport!
And NOBODY will ever get me to see my birthday as something less than fabulous, even when I’m 93….
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Tasha, you are fun. I don’t see it happening–one has to be ATTRACTED to me enough to begin with, but it is fun to dream about someone simply taking my day under their wing and making it magical. The thought just brings a smile.
I don’t know if it counts, but some very nice guy came BACK to the kiosk I was working at today just to tell me I have a sweet voice. And I did what I always do…I blushed, said thank you, and had absolutely no interest. Go figure… But I figured you would enjoy hearing about it.
I think I’m going to enjoy my birthday all on my own because that’s the way my life is right now. But it won’t stop me from looking forward to the day when maybe someone *will* see me as someone to shower with magic. In the meantime, *I* know I’m pretty special and that’s okay with me! And look out, Big Apple, I’m on my way!
Hugs!
Oh, and Tasha, you will STILL be fabulous at 93. Of that I have no doubt!
by Laura
on December 18th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
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Glad to help. I used to live in New York. Let me know if I can tell you anything else!
by JennieB
on December 18th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
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Yeah, yeah, you may be alone today, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be alone tomorrow, Ms. Popular!
And are you going to come visit me this weekend or what????
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I think I’m officially leaning toward a show and skating. Though I also think I just may go for a carriage ride in Central Park. I’ve always wanted to do that.
Between now and then I’ll figure out my hotel and how I’ll get into the city (taxi or train).
Thanks everyone for dreaming along with me… It’s going to be a wonderful day!
If anyone has any specific show recommendations, I’d love to hear ‘em.
by Laura
on December 18th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
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From the Newark airport, the PATH train from downtown Newark works pretty well. I just wouldn’t do it at night.
I’ve spent some time by the Newark airport (Big A-B Brewery right next to it). We took the PATH several times to, what was, the world trade station. During the day and at rush hour it works great. During the night, I was with a group and didn’t feel comfortable. On the other hand, a taxi will be pricey.
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Off the top of my head…
Breakfast at Norma’s. (Make a reservation at that link.)
Then whatever you do during the day and evening…
Then martinis at the balcony of Michael Jordan’s, overlooking the floor at Grand Central where everybody waltzed in THE FISHER KING.
by Keith
on December 20th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
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Will, thanks for the heads-up on the PATH train. I’ve never done that kind of transportation by myself into the city. But I’ll figure it out. Thanks for the tips!
Keith, Norma’s looks awesome! I LOVE breakfast foods! And that picture of people dancing in Grand Central that you linked to got me teary-eyed. It made me remember an unexpected dance in the middle of an Irish pub–it may be one of the most romantic moments I’ve ever experienced.
by Laura
on December 20th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
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