And now, a word about my birthday...

YAY!

It's my 35th birthday, internet fans, and the muse has already rewarded me with my first present. I got another idea for a children's story at approximately 3:43 this morning. This one came with names, conflict, and a plot. Holy crap! One of these things has got to take eventually, right?

35. Scholar pointed out to me yesterday as we were walking to class that I started my college journey seventeen years ago. I am certainly much more mature now than I was then, so if I want to paint my nails sparkly-pink today, you just be quiet about it, all right?

On the agenda for my Born Day (as my old supervisor use to call it) is lunch at my favorite steak joint, and some shopping at a certain book store. And some homework (you know what they say about all fun and no work).

Here's my birthday theme song, as sung by Nina Simone:

Birds flyin high, you know how I feel.
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel.
Breeze drifting on by, you know how I feel.
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me.
And I'm feeling good.

Fish in the sea, you know how I feel.
River running free, you know how I feel.
Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel.
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me.
And I'm feeling good.

Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don't you now?
Butterflies all having fun, you know what I mean.
Sleep in peace when the day is done.
That's what I mean.

And this old world
is a new world
and a bold world
for me.

Stars, when you shine, you know how I feel.
Scent of the pine, you know how I feel.
Oh, freedom is mine, and I know how I feel.
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me.
And I'm feeling good!


Yeah.

Something tells me it's all happenin' at the zoo...

And it was, oh internet fans. It was!

Scholar and I had a great overnight in Buffalo. We left on Friday and came back last night; we are refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle the hell that is homework. We stuffed ourself on Buffalo wings (awesome). We shopped. We...well, never mind that part. My blog will maintain a PG rating.

And we went to the zoo. We saw lions and tigers (no bears. They're at the local zoo) and snow leopards. And gorillas, eagles, and peccaries. And sea lions and maned wolves and giraffes. And elephants.

What we did not see were Buffalo...

Captain Rider!

Sounds like a 1950s television show, doesn't it? Like the Lone Ranger or Captain Midnight? Well, my little adventuress/sister went and got herself promoted. Captain Rider -- it has a certain ring to it. Now all she needs is a trusty steed and a wise-ass sidekick. Oh, wait -- we've got those covered.

What's really cute is that right after I told her how proud I was of her, I asked this gung-ho military veteran if there was anything she needed. She requested hand lotion and slippers.

SLIPPERS?

Did the Lone Ranger wear slippers?????

Oh, I'll get them for her. As her loving big sister, I'd be a fool to miss such an ideal opportunity to tease her. I will find slippers suitable for her rank and station -- probably something in bunny. And don't tell me I'm mean to pick on her, blogosphere.

This is what wise-ass sidekicks do.