42

Ah...another birthday. At this point, it's just one year closer in the march towards the sweet relief of death. Today's been a busy day which is fine because really it is just another day. I have pondered a bit about what happened on this day in history and thanks to Wikipedia, here's what I've learned: (I am aware that Wikipedia can be dubious at best, and I've had this confirmed by the Boy and his friends, who told me they go into Wikipedia and change things based on their knowledge - this coming from a bunch of thirteen year olds, but let's see what it dialed up for today.)

Oktoberfest begins in Munich today, so bottoms up excessive drinkers and alcoholics!
On this day in 1378, a papal schism erupted throwing the Roman Catholic Church into turmoil, and that could not have been fun.
On this day in 1854, the Crimean War began, and that too could not have been fun.
And on this day in 1973, Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in straight sets (I'm not even going to comment on the irony there) in an internationally televised tennis match that became known as "The Battle of the Sexes."

So gracias, Wikipedia for those nuggets of knowledge. Since I turned 42 today, I thought about that number. So I thought of the English 80's band, Level 42. You know...1985 and "Something About You." Hum along. Another #42 reference...our 42nd President, none other than the philandering, lying husband of Shrillary, Bill Clinton. Not a lot of fun there either.

How's that for a birthday association? All in all, it's been a good celebration. We met wonderful friends, Rick and Tamara, who were in Chicago from Atlanta, for dinner last night in the city. It was a gorgeous night so we ate outside at the Weber Grill downtown and then walked back to their hotel to catch up a bit more. That played out like and episode of "Cops." We got to see a couple of arrests and it's not like they were staying in some kind of dump. All good fun!

Today started with Bishopric Training at 7AM, followed by Leadership Training at 9AM and then the Boy's soccer game at 1PM. It was a summer day today - last one and it actually felt hot. He had a good game and it was fun to watch. We have a social with the youth at 630PM tonight for Standards and then we get to clean the Church. Quite the day! We are going to dinner - Thai - too, so that'll be great.

It's been a good day. I've been blessed. It's good to celebrate another year!