Birthday dinner @ Fuddrucker's

Birthday dinner @ Fuddrucker's, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

When Fuddrucker's came to the Chicago area in the 80's - I would totally drive out of my way to go there. And the last time I went to a Fuddrucker's was in Jersey back in 2001.

Loved the fresh ground meat, copious portions etc etc

So, I decided to go there for my birthday dinner. I was feening for Fuddruckers.

Heh, nice - but Fuddrucker's isnt what it used to be. :)

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Wednesday, August 29, 2007, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

I buy all the newspapers for the day

It's a tradition that started years ago when I lived in Chicago so that I could get the birthday horoscopes. :)

Then it became more genteel as it was fascinating to get all the news and views of THAT day, although it became disheartening when I lived in small markets like Jacksonville, Florida - where I would get all the major Florida papers - and it was mostly syndicated AP/Reuters reports, meant I was reading the same stuff over and over.

Here in California, its an embarrassment of riches - I got the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, the Chronicle, Sacramento Bee and San Jose Mercury news.. among the nation's best papers.

My friend Jess

My friend Jess, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

I went over to Berkeley last night for the first time in probably a year and a half.

The place has changed, didnt see anyone I knew, except for Jessica. And if I only saw one person, I wouldve preferred it'd be jessica - who encouraged me to display my work for the first time in Berkeley's landmark Au Coquelet restaurant in 2004. Changed me forever.

She also used to make sure I got my daily Mocha on the house (as she did again last night) when I couldnt afford a daily mocha. For her down-to-earth no-nonsense kindness and encouragement - here's to you, Jess. :)

Fast ferry

Fast ferry, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Morning of August 29th

Morning of August 29th, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

My father, on his birthday, didnt want a birthday party or gifts. His routine was simple: he'd go to church - the only time he went to church for the year - and disappear for the rest of the day.

Mine is just as simple: I buy all the newspapers for that day, go get a good breakfast and read them through, go walkabout and then go get a nice dinner. Just be by myself. That's it. That's ALL I want.

I get quite cranky and surly if people want to throw me a party or take me out to dinner. Im not being coy. It's my day and that's how I want to do it.

It was a good day. :)

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Born August 29

You are inclined to assert your will powerfully in the year ahead, as freedom is more important to you than usual. Nevertheless, increased responsibilities and the need to pay extra attention to your practical affairs are also themes. Focus and commitment are keys to success! Getting your finances and your love life in order plays a big role, although ups and downs and a few disappointments in these areas of life are likely.

August 29, 2007 -- IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY

Just because you are a Virgo some people seem to believe you are naive and easily persuaded, but it isn't true and what happens over the next 12 months will prove once and for all that you can be subtle and sophisticated too. It's good to be underestimated: it gives you the element of surprise.

Today's Birthday (Aug. 29). A move looks likely for you this year, or at least a renovation. Keep your objective in mind, yet stay flexible. You will learn to adapt. You can have some of what you want, but probably not everything.

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Im now 43. Im officially middle aged. The grey hairs are firmly embedded, cant front or fake it anymore.

Me and my peers born in the 60's are officially OLD. :) Har.

So, I did me some thinking on my birthday as I normally do. No escaping it, time to grow up, focus and do what I need without the impetus of marriage or children. Cant wait for that to happen before i decide to knuckle down.

Just gotta remember, because Im taking things more seriously doesnt mean I have to be serious.

Aright then....

On rotation

Deborah Cox - Nobody's Supposed to Be Here
The Jones Girls - Who Can I Run To
Foxy Brown w/Blackstreet - Gotta Get You Home
Robin Thicke - Lost Without U

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Happy Birthday, Cyn.

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Gone walkabout for the day, as is my custom.

Ad for Las Vegas

Ad for Las Vegas, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Reading Los Angeles Magazine.....

There are a LOT of Vegas ads in that magazine. What is Vegas - SoCal's playground?

In the groove of G

In the groove of G, originally uploaded by Itinerant.