After I came back from Milwaukee, my co-workers surprised me by gathering the students, marching into my office with a cake and singing “Happy Birthday.” I was doing an interview with a potential student at the time. (They had told her what was going to happen.)

I was given a “tranquility” scented candle, a book on tranquility (do you sense a theme here?) and a card. Of course Brad had to write “Happy 50th Birthday!” which did not make me feel especially tranquil. Stinker.

We continued the celebration at home by going to Stone Cold Creamery. Moon and I had “Cookie Doughn’t You Want Some,” Pete had the Founder’s Favorite (brownies, chocolate, caramel and pecans), and Peter had Candy Land (Kit Kats, M&Ms and Snickers). Good thing we worked out first, eh?