Birthday on the Cheap

Yesterday, I turned 61.

It's a corner of sorts--I can no longer think of myself as being halfway through my life.

But I have to say that I don't particularly feel old. My parents seemed old to me while they were still in their fifties. But now that I've arrived in my sixth decade, I feel surprisingly young.

Altogether, I had a good, and frugal birthday. I took the day off from work--we get three mental health days a year, and this was one of mine.

The frugality started with my Entertainment Book. I had purchased it in January through My Points at $15 off the $35 purchase price plus free shipping plus 1500 My Points. If one eats at chains or fast food places, the Entertainment Book pays for itself quickly. I have grandkids, therefore I am a regular at McDonald's, Taco Bell, etc. I try to time my purchase through My Points to pay the least for the book while getting maximum points. This year, I should have waited because two weeks after I made my purchase, the same deal was offered with 1750 points. Oh Well. I immediately traded the My Points for a $10 Starbucks card.

One of the Entertainment coupons was for a free movie at a local chain on my birthday. I chose to go see Avatar in 3D. Another coupon was for free popcorn with the purchase of an outrageously priced soft drink. But altogether I got $15 worth of admission, 3D glasses, and treats for $5.75.

Earlier that morning, I used a coupon that Starbucks sent me for a free coffee drink on my birthday.

Then a friend treated me to a late lunch at a very nice middle eastern restaurant.

And my kids did the whole dinner/cake/small presents routine, which I enjoyed immensely in the evening.

Speaking of cheap, today (Tuesday) is "free pastry day" at Starbuck's, and "free cone day" at Ben & Jerry's. I've already taken advantage of the former, and plan to chase down the latter this afternoon.

Happy birthday, indeed!