Happy Birthday, Jim!

Today was managing editor Jim Nieman's 50th birthday. We knew it was his birthday, but we didn't realize it was the Big One (or, from my vantage point, one of the Big Ones) till yesterday when he casually mentioned he would be 50.
We decided this needed more than the passing birthday wish, and we moved into high gear to make the day special. Sheryl Overstreet brought all kinds of "50" decorations, we resurrected "Happy Birthday" banners from storage, and we brought goodies to put out a spread so the whole office could join the celebration. Sheryl gave him 50 Tootsie Roll Pops (one of his favorites), Diane gave him 5 sleeves of 10 Oreo cookies, and I gave him a bag of 50 mixed chocolate snacks (Reese's cups, Butterfingers, and Hershey miniatures). (I'm investigating acne medicine and weight-loss entrees as possible Christmas gifts.)
He was gone all morning (took his daughter to the doctor) and arrived right at noon, just in time for us to put out the snacks as add-ons to lunches.
Jim is easygoing, low-key, steady, and dependable, but he was full of smiles this afternoon. I think we helped make his birthday happy, and that made us happy too!
Our usual tradition is to go out to celebrate a staff member's birthday, and I pick up the tab for that person as well as myself. Jim's day will be Monday, so the celebration will continue.