I marked my 31st trip around the sun last Thursday. That’s just a fancy way of saying it’s been 10 years since my last fun birthday party.

I’ve never been particularly fond of my “big day.” There isn’t much to do during the dead of winter, and I don’t really enjoy the added attention. It’s a day that ends in “Y” for me.

That said, my 31st will be one for the record books. I didn’t have reservations at a fancy restaurant or bar, but instead had an afternoon date with the oral surgeon to get a molar pulled and my bottom lip dissected.

Yep, two cringe-worthy medical proce...