This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Friday, January 30, 2015

Shhh! Can You Keep a Secret? It's My Birthday

Candles spell out the traditional English birt...
Candles spell out the traditional English birthday greeting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

      I don't want this getting out all over the place so I'm only telling you--today's my birthday.

      I'm keeping this a secret so don't be spreading this all around, you know like sharing it on social media. I mean I'd hate to get a barrage of FaceBook birthday greetings or have the link to this post all over Twitter. I keep a low profile, you know, and don't like to be promoting or marketing my brand or my blog or having my name Arlee Bird broadcast all over the internet. It's not like I'm trying to build a platform or anything like that. I'm just a quiet guy who wants to remain invisible.

     Well, that is, except for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. You can blurt that all over the place. Sign-ups can be found here or here or at the many sites of the A to Z Team of Co-hosts. So I guess for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge cause I'll forsake my anonymity and give you permission to send this post everywhere. All over the world even. Don't forget to tell your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you see passing on the street.

      So since the word is out anyway I guess if you want to send me presents you can.  Gift cards are fine.  Cash is preferred.   No bills under twenties please...

        Sorry didn't mean to get out of hand there...

         Instead, to celebrate my birthday I'm going to do the unthinkable and accept a couple of awards in my own unorthodox rule-breaking method.


Very Inspiring Blogger Award


       I normally don't do the awards on my site anymore so I rarely get them offered to me, however Chrys Fey presented me with this Very Inspiring Blogger Award and how can I turn down an award with that kind of title it being my birthday as well as opening week of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge sign-ups. 
The Rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated you, and link to their blog. (see above)
2. Display the award logo. (it's up there too)
3. Nominate 15 other bloggers (more or less) and provide a link where they may be found. (here's where I break a rule--if you've signed up for A to Z then the award is yours)
4. Go to their blog, leave a comment to let them know they have been nominated. (I'm telling you now)
5. Mention three things that inspired you the most during the past few weeks.  (see below)
Three things that have inspired me recently:
1.  Getting up this morning (and every morning)
2.   The great response to A to Z sign-ups for the opening week.
3.   The beauty of God's creation and His infinite mercy.


     Thank you, Chrys for thinking of me for this award!


The Liebster Award

liebster21
       This Liebster Award has been sitting in my post files for some time now so I could use it for a post like this one.  This award appeared on A to Z co-host John Holton's blog The Sound of One Hand Typing and he offered it to anyone with under 3000 followers, which unfortunately is a category I still fall into, but that fortunately allows me to accept the award to be able to blab about me since it's Me Day being my birthday and all.   I just answer questions about me and give the award to whomever I like.   If you're an A to Z participant feel free to accept this award on my behalf.

         Here is a mix of questions asked by John as well as some questions asked by previous award presenters:
  1. What is your ideal vacation?   The answer involves many variables for me, but if I exclude my typical vacation of visiting family then an ideal vacation is one that requires minimal investment for me with the value of learning the most and gaining the most good memories.  It also would be a vacation shared with those I love or people who will enrich me with their presence.
  2. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you move?  I've often somewhat jokingly said that I'd like to live in Grand Island, Nebraska.  I don't know why I'm so intrigued by the place, but it just always seemed kind of hometown U.S.A. to me.   I'm fairly adaptable and there are many places that might attract me and it's hard to beat the weather here in Southern California, but East Tennessee or somewhere near that has the greatest lure for me.
  3. What was your first job?  The first job that I got on my own efforts was in Knoxville, Tennessee working at a wholesale carnival supply company by the name of Acme Premium Supply.  Everyone always makes the Wiley Coyote connection and no, this is not the company where he got his doo-dads, but it's kind of like that one.  We mostly sold stuffed animals and other carnival game prizes.
  4. If you’re a writer, what genre do you write? What would you like to write?  Like I write on Tossing It Out, my other writing tends to be fairly eclectic.  I like to experiment with different styles and explore many topics.  My favorite thing to write is anything memoir related.  You can find some of that at my other blog Wrote By Rote.
  5. What is your claim to fame?  If you Google Arlee Bird you'll mostly find links related to my blogs with a larger number of links talking about the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge which I started in 2010.  So I guess that's my biggest claim to fame in recent years.   If you want to sign up for this April's Challenge, visit a-to-zchallenge.com or click on the related tab at the top of this page.
  6. What type of music do you like?   Maybe it's easier to tell what kinds of music I don't like.  I love music as might be indicated with my focus on the Battle of the Bands posts that I do on the 1st and 15th of each month.  The next Battle of the Bands post will appear here on this blog this coming Sunday February 1st.  Oh, and if I were to pick one predominate favorite music genre that would be Classical--primarily from the 1700's to mid 1900's.   
  7. What motivates you to post on your blog?  All the stuff that's in my brain overflows into the pages of this blog and my brain is constantly filling up with new thoughts.   I'm also building my platform you might say.   Why I'm building that platform will hopefully become more clear in the future sometime.   
  8. What’s your favorite holiday, and why?   Thanksgiving has remained a big favorite in my adult years and even as a child.  Some of my best memories stem from Thanksgiving.  It's a mostly relaxing time with food that I enjoy.   I love that Thanksgiving dinner!  And these days I'm usually the one who cooks most of it.
  9. Did you believe in Santa Claus when you were a child?  I believed until I was about nine years old.  Then until about age 12 I played along with the concept so I'd be sure to get presents. After that I became an agent for Santa as I helped my mother shop for presents for my younger brothers and sisters and wrapped presents and assembled stuff on Christmas Eve so the younger kids would have a great time--and I still got presents myself.  That's when Christmas became the most fun and it was a win-win situation for me and my parents.
  10. Who is your favorite writer?   The writer I immediately name is Flannery O'Connor, but I'm also a big fan of Cormac McCarthy and William Faulkner.  Hmm--I guess I have a preference for Southern Literature.
  11. What would be your dream job?   My dream job is similar to the touring stage production job I had back in the 70's and 80's.   The job would involve plenty of travel to places I wanted to go, meeting the public, and doing something related to performing music and/or promoting my books.  Oh, so I guess that dream job would involve a lot of writing as well.  Yeah, I could live with that kind of a job.

Guessing Games

       I can't believe that from the clues I offered in my Wednesday post that no one guessed what song I'll be using in my Battle of the Bands post coming up this Sunday February 1st. I actually named the song and part of the name of the artists who originally recorded it.  It was right there!  Maybe that goes to show how closely posts are actually read, but I understand that based on how I read many posts.

         While we're bringing up guessing games I wonder if anyone can guess how old I am today?  While you're thinking about that I'll leave you with a cover version of a song that came out when I was in high school.   This is not part of my Battle of the Bands, but maybe I should have used this song since there are some pretty fine cover versions of it.  Play the song if you like and scroll down while you're listening for some more thoughts on game playing.







          Remember--the song versions  I'll be using on my next Battle of the Bands post will be covers and not the version by the original artist. Or maybe you don't want to guess.   It's donned on me that some of you all might have had your phil of guessing games!   I can hear some of you saying, "How 'bout saying 'bye-bye' to the guessing games!  I don't want any more of them--ever Lee!"

         Please stop by on Super Bowl Sunday or the following couple of days so you can find out what song I've chosen and you can vote for your favorite version.

           Did you guess the Battle of the Bands song I'll be using?   Did you guess my age?   Do you like guessing games?  Can you guess why I have these guessing games in some of my posts?



77 comments:

  1. You're older than me - that's the best guess I have.
    I lived in Nebraska when I was younger. Hope you like tornadoes.
    And if a card doesn't have the green stuff in it, I'm deeply disappointed.
    Happy birthday, Lee!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would want a very special tornado proofed house if I lived in Grand Island. Though my California house probably wouldn't withstand a really big earthquake.

      Lee

      Delete
  2. It's funny cause I was sorted into Ravenclaw on the Pottermore site and I am just terrible w/ riddles and guessing games.

    A very happy birthday to you Lee! I hope you have a great day and of course CAKE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think many people who pass through my posts like my riddles and guessing games. Cake? I'm not sure I'll have any cake unless they serve me a piece in the restaurant.

      Lee

      Delete
  3. Happy Birthday Mr B . . . . . I dont think you are as old as me but I think you might be close-ish. . . .

    ReplyDelete
  4. Happy birthday, Lee.

    My dream job would be writing for a roller coaster magazine and getting to ride and review coasters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is there such a magazine? Maybe you'll have to start one.

      Lee

      Delete
  5. What do you get to do on your birthday that you wouldn't normally get to do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Take my wife to downtown L.A. to drop her off for jury duty. She's scared to drive by herself. Later, she'll take me out for a special dinner. Still a lot of driving in traffic today.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Well, then, be careful out there.
      Still, I'd mostly drive in L.A. than in Houston.

      Delete
    3. I think I'd agree with you on that. Houston is chaotic.

      Lee

      Delete
  6. Happy birthday Arlee!

    You know, it's never too late to pack up and move where you'd REALLY like to live. TN is a beautiful state.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Still need to wait for my wife's retirement before we can do anything. She wants to take full advantage of all the benefits due to her.

      Lee

      Delete
  7. Happy Birthday from a fellow East Tennessee fan! I'm all about letting the whole world know when my own day rolls around, so I say go ahead and broadcast.Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I don''t broadcast my birthday FaceBook will. Thanks!

      Lee

      Delete
  8. Here's my birthday gift to you, ARLEE BOID:

    I'll give you the name of your BOTB song (since you all but said it straight out)...

    THE EVERLY BROTHERS
    'I CAN'T SAY GOODBYE TO YOU'
    or
    'BYE BYE, LOVE'

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You got it, bucko! I couldn't have made it much more obvious could I.

      See you Sunday.

      Lee

      Delete
  9. Happy Birthday, Lee! I hope you have many, many more. I got a chuckle out of your first job, and instantly I thought of Wiley Coyote, too. Oh the ribbing you must have taken over the years for that one! I wonder, if they are still in town. I seriously doubt I'll be around in Blogosphere this weekend, as you know totally unplug to spend time with DH. BUT, I will make my rounds on Monday. That's a promise!!! Well...have a super duper birthday and fun weekend! And, no I have no clue what cover song you'll use on BOTB. I'll find out soon enough, right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Acme Knoxville shut down years ago and I think the entire company, which was based in St Louis, did also. Song will be revealed on Sunday (or you can see STMcC's correct guess above.

      Lee

      Delete
  10. What is your ideal vacation?

    Beer or Sex On The Beach.

    If you had to live somewhere else, where would you move?

    Virginia City, Nevada.

    What was your first job?

    I was a paperboy. ("I want my two dollars!")

    If you’re a writer, what genre do you write?

    I've written a children's book manuscript, a romance screenplay, a Guide To Western Movies For Simple-Minded Cowpersons, and a lot of really bad poetry.

    What would you like to write?

    Myself a check for three million dollars in cash.

    What is your claim to fame?

    In a playground fight I knocked out Bertha Buttboogie, who up until then was known as the toughest kid at my elementary school.

    Nah, I'm kidding. She actually knocked me out.

    I don't really have a claim to fame (still waiting for my 15 minutes).

    Well, I worked for 5 years on the TV series M*A*S*H. I guess that's as close to a claim to fame as I can claim.

    What type of music do you like?

    I like lots of different types of music, but Jazz is my favorite.

    What motivates you to post on your blog?

    'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' on the 1st and 15th of each month.

    What’s your favorite holiday, and why?

    Christmas, because I love the color, the music, and the presents I receive.

    Did you believe in Santa Claus when you were a child?

    When I was a child? Hell, I STILL believe in him!

    Who is your favorite writer?

    Mark Twain.

    What would be your dream job?

    Being retired and having Sex On The Beach every day.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, you really went straight forward with this! With your M*A*S*H stint I guess you are guaranteed a long run in TV rerun land.

      Lee

      Delete
  11. Happy Birthday!!

    That's a fun version of that song. I've only heard the one by the Beatles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd never heard that version before finding it for this post, but I do like it a lot. It really cooks.

      Lee

      Delete
  12. Happy Birthday to YOU! I think you're my age, 29. Yes indeedy.

    Have a super great day.

    Teresa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How'd you know my age? You and I must be the same age going on 17.

      Lee

      Delete
  13. I never guess a person's age, and I expect them to return the favor! :-) So your first job was with Acme, huh? But no Wiley E. Coyote? Bummer. Have a really fun day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a hard time guessing how old people are. I only know they must be younger or older than I am.

      Lee

      Delete
  14. Hi Arlee!
    We January birthday types are a unique group indeed. I've always felt like a new year is the right way to start off a new age for yourself. And the after Christmas sales make for more gift buying power. ;)
    I read you much more than I comment on your musings and I've noticed a lot of traffic mentions. Having just left SoCal for greener pastures in North Carolina, I must say this is a literal thing here. You actually do have far more buying power with your green cash and anyone can and does make a good living. Also the rides through the countryside to seek a new house are actually the opposite of stressful and I've felt a decompression from the crazy since I got here.
    Tennessee is one of our neighbors. You would really love it there, I'm sure !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know I'd like Tennessee since I lived there so many years, but I wouldn't mind North Carolina or Virginia for that matter.

      Lee

      Delete
  15. Happy Birthday! I hope it is a good day! Enjoyed reading the different facts you shared about yourself in accepting the awards you were given. No one can beat the weather in Southern California for sure, but there are advantages to moving elsewhere as long as the weather isn't too extreme :) Lived in Southern California on and off the majority of my life; last stint was 8 years, but recently moved to Prescott, Arizona. Its different, friendlier, and so far less expensive :)

    Looking forward to A/Z, already have a theme and most of the letters sorted out :)

    betty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you'll be joining us for A to Z once again!

      Lee

      Delete
  16. Ilove this take on the Beatles. They took this song from mundane to great swing.

    I won't wish you a happy b-day. I will instead lift my cup of tea and say "Long life to ye!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that "Long life to ye!" sentiment. Birthdays are highly overrated.

      Lee

      Delete
  17. Happy Birthday to you! now i shall sing it...um maybe not as all the dogs will come to me:) You could put the Beatles "Today is your Birthday" song on:). I will say 64?..just going by the song you show up on your blog. If I have overguessed...my humble apologies. I actually re-read your post to see if my puny brain could get the clues but i blame it on my cold. Enjoy your day, think back to happy memories and make another for today and light a candle to your mom:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The song I think stated the obvious. What songs will I be able to play for future birthdays? My mother never forgot a birthday--that's one less card I received this year.

      Lee

      Delete
  18. HAPPY BIRTHDAY... all the best and be the best... enjoy the day, you have earned it...

    ReplyDelete
  19. Happy birthday! I won't tell anyone. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Somehow the message seems to have gotten out! Thanks for trying to keep the secret.

      Lee

      Delete
  20. Happy Birthday. I enjoyed reading all those facts and history about you. I knew some of it but not all.
    I'm not a fan of guessing games. I'll be back on Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a sucker for guessing games if I get reasonable clues. Also a big fan of trivia games. See you Sunday!

      Lee

      Delete
  21. Happy Birthday Lee. Hope you have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Happy Birthday, Lee, from a fellow Aquarius! ☺ (Mine was Jan. 27). If you were in high school in 1967, then you're a little older than me - wild guess - 64? Congratulations and yes, you certainly are an inspiring blogger and beloved in the Blogosphere, so these awards are perfect! Enjoyed learning more about you, as well. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not such a wild guess--I graduated in '69. A belated happy birthday to you!

      Lee

      Delete
  23. Congrats on the awards and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awards don't come easily in the world of blogging do they. Thanks!

      Lee

      Delete
  24. Happy birthday, good sir from myself and little Thomas Alexander (my baby nephew currently perched on my arm).
    I've decided I won't participate in the challenge but will definitely investigate the blogs as they're listed and read some of what's available.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You still have 2 months to renege on that decision. Poems based on topics from A to Z? You could do that.
      Thanks for visiting on my special day.

      Lee

      Delete
  25. Happy Birthday, sweet man. Can't wait for that battle... I was nowhere near the answer, but you were kind enough to be kind!!(smile)

    Kudos on the Liebster!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the kind of guy I am--kind of. And thank you kindly for the kind words.

      Lee

      Delete
  26. Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Hope you have a great day and a nice evening - enjoy your dinner. Thinking good BD wishes for you while I sit here at the NV DMV waiting to take my drivers license test.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The dreaded DMV! Hope all goes well with that!

      Lee

      Delete
  27. I'm not big on guessing games. My children have pretty much burned me out on them. Although I just had one on my Facebook page. Anyhow, Happy Birthday! Glad you are 10 years older than me.
    Life & Faith in Caneyhead

    ReplyDelete
  28. Happy Birthday Arlee! Grand Island NE., huh? Odd choice. Funny thing is that my brother lives about 25 minutes outside is GI...that's where is Wal-Mart is! Haha! I've been to Grand Island quite a few times! Also, my husband's grandmother was born there. Strange, small world this is :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been quite some time since I've been in Grand Island. Passed by it on the Interstate a couple years ago, but we didn't stop. I used to go there every year and stay for a few days. Yes, it is a small world.

      Lee

      Delete
  29. Hope you're having a wonderful birthday, Lee! Congrats on your awards, and it was fun getting to know you a little better! I'm excited for another A to Z, and it's great to see the list keep growing!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're going to celebrate some more with my in-laws tomorrow. It's like the birthday that never ends.

      Lee

      Delete
  30. Congrats on the Award - well deserved.

    And special wishes for your birthday - I hope the day was relaxing and enjoyable. May 2015 be filled with happiness, good health and success.

    With smiles, Jenny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope 2015 is filled with all those things and more--for me, for you, and for everybody.

      Lee

      Delete
  31. Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kelly! Can't complain about this day.

      Lee

      Delete
  32. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEE!! Hope it's been fun and fabulous so far. You birthday falling on Super Bowl weekend is cool: keep the celebration going all weekend. Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hadn't taken that aspect into consideration. I'll be celebrating until Sunday night. After that I'll continue to celebrate life.

      Lee

      Delete
  33. Happy birthday! I hope you had a great day filled with blessings and happiness.

    My dream job would be a paleoanthropologist, archaeologist, or paleontologist.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those would be some interesting fields of study. Gosh, you have a lot of interests!

      Lee

      Delete
  34. HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY and CONGRATS on the awards!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm sorry I missed your birthday post. Happy (belated) Birthday!!!! Congratulations on the Liebster Award! :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Happy birthday! And happy award post day. ;)

    ReplyDelete

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

Lee