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My birthday is in six weeks. I want to start talking about it because it’s freaking me out a little. Plus, I can’t think of what to do to celebrate.

So, forgive the total, self-involved, vain, narcissistic post today. I’m trying to buck myself up. Not that all my posts aren’t all like that, I’m just recognizing that today I am reaching new heights.

I was looking for something to do with Echo yesterday and found this picture of myself. It was taken 13 years ago:

So I compared it to a picture that was taken 5 years ago:

And finally to one that was taken last summer, at my book party:

They were all taken by talented photographers who know how to make people look good, is the thing. But the last one is pretty much what I look like. I had my hair done for the party, but other than that, I didn’t do anything special. I have no makeup on beyond lipstick. Not bad for the BIG BIRTHDAY that is coming up. (Oh GOD, could I be more pathetic??)

Because:

1. Got my Fresh Direct delivery, which came with a free thing of coffee. So, not only do I have the joy of a nice, stocked-up refridgerator, but the buzz from FREE STUFF.

2. I’ve started to building up momentum with this book, and have a cool story about Einstein to include.

3. It’s a nice day.

4. My hair is full of conditioner and under a shower cap, and in a little while it will be soft with a pretty scent.

5. All my medical tests have been coming back with good results, not that anybody suspected I was sick, just yearly check-up stuff, but still. No lung cancer, or leprosy or anything.

6. I weigh 106 pounds. (The universe hates me, but gave me this one thing.)

7. I’ve got the new issue of People to treat myself to at the end of the day.

Here’s the food that is making me happy. I love oranges. Plus, that’s cheese cannelloni on the bottom right, AND what you can’t see is the garlic bread in the freezer. I have garlic bread in my future.

And here’s a happy Finney because I’m petting his head. You’d never suspect that he was EVIL. (That’s how they get you. But I’m onto you, little fur-dude.)

Thanks to Ellen Tarlow who had an extra ticket and invited me, I went to BAM last night to see St. Matthew’s Passion. The minute I got home I looked for one of bass arias to download. If I’m remembering correctly, I think the words in english were “Come my heart and make me pure (so that I might bury Jesus).” I listened to a bunch of versions and picked a German one sung by Thomas Quasthoff. I think I’ve already played it a hundred times. The incredible tenderness of that desire — it’s almost painful to contemplate.

Here is yesterday’s review of the BAM show in the Times.

You have two more chances to see it. It’s thrilling. Don’t miss your chance.

People asked this question the entire time the Duke Parapsychology Laboratory was in existence. Except for those who already believe they have the answer, it’s kinda the question, isn’t it? You can argue that there are more pressing, immediate concerns, and I can’t argue with that, but when all is said and done, how can you not be curious?

The Rhine Research Center is taking on this question at a conference on May 5th and 6th. If you’re anyway near Durham, NC, you should go. (Excuse the cheesy photo, but I love a good cheesy ghost picture.)

My friend Chris sent me pictures of flowers she grew this Winter. Gorgeous! Although my eye also went right to that blue chair. I love that blue chair. I need to paint something that shade of blue.

The city is blossoming, too. I should get some pictures while I’m out and about today.