I turned 44 on Saturday.

Usually the days leading up to my birthday can feel like a demoralizing vortex of self assessment, with images of my “Christmas Future” passing before my eyes. This last week though, I didn’t have too much time to think about it. Which ended up being a good strategy.

Iris Apfel once shamed me for even discussing getting old and reminded me she was twice my age, plus some. I have held on to that scolding ever since.

I spent the day hanging out with my boyfriend in Brooklyn, walking around Vinegar Hill and looking at the old Navy Yard. We went to the end of the Afro Funk Festival and watched Some Like it Hot at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

I love watching a classic film at an old movie theater.  It should happen more often.

I think some of my favorite birthdays are the ones where it’s relaxing, no hoopla or need to entertain.

I did get my own peanut butter pie with candles to blow out, which was very yummy indeed.