Da na na na na nah! Today's my birthday!

While growing up I used to always look in the paper for that "If your birthday is November 8...." section on my birthday. I remember hoping that someone supercool would share my special day. For some reason, I remember being a little disappointed that my birthday was shared with folks like these:

1622 - Karl X Gustaf, King of Sweden (1654-60)
1900 - Margaret Mitchell, author (Gone With the Wind)
1909 - Katharine Hepburn, Ct, actress (African Queen, On Golden Pond)
1931 - Morley Safer, Toronto Calif, TV newscaster (60 Minutes)
1949 - Bonnie Raitt, Burbank CA, country singer (Green Light, The Glow)
1961 - Leif Garrett, Hollywood Cal, singer/actor (Devil x 5, 3 for the Road)

I mean, all I really had to go on was Kate Hepburn - awesome, no doubt, but not good for much playground cred when your 10 years old and trying to navigate the complexities and intricacies of pre-pubescent playground politics and survival. And frankly Leif Garrett, Tiger Beat pin up and all around wuss, was not what I would refer to as a trade up. I might as well have gone to school with a "kick me" sign on pinned to my butt. Seriously! Leif Garrett? Cripes!

However, I have learned some patience over my 37 years on this (sometimes) great planet. And if you wait long enough, sooner or later someone cool will be born on your birthday. So in college, things picked up dramatically with this addition to my list:

1967 - Courtney Thorne-Smith, actress (Day by Day, Lucas, Summer School, Melrose Place)

And since then, I have even gained some Indie Film cred!!! Who would've known?

1968 - Parker Posey, Baltimore, Md, actress (You've Got Mail, Best In Show)

But today is a watershed day for me. The ultimate birthday gift! I realized today - only moments ago in fact - that one of the world's brightest lights was brought into the world on this very day 30 years ago. Regard the hottness with veiled eyes, people. I share my birthday with her!

Don't cry, everyone, I understand and it's ok to be jealous.