I'm 57. I'll be 58 in July. I realize that, not being a woman I don't have the perspective you do from growing up in a society that values youth and beauty in women so very much. But I will say that among the people my age and older whom I know, the key seems to be arranging your life in such a way that you're valued by others -- both the people you work with and the people you spend your off hours with.

In any case, happy birthday. We who care about you are not celebrating how many years have passed. Rather, we're celebrating the fact that you are you.