Bittersweet Birthdays

THANKS TO EVERYONE who wished me a Happy Birthday.  It's been a tough day.  I am making a promise to myself to not talk more about losing Big Mac.  To focus on that doesn't allow for me to focus on the positive as easily.  I did clean up some of the mess around the house after making a quick run to the store for cleaning supplies.  It does smell a little bit fresher in here - that's a good thing.  Another good thing was doing my taxes today.  WOO HOO!

I'm going to bed and will try to get some rest so that I can hit the gym in the morning. So by the time you read the list, I will have run 3 miles! :)

1. Comfort food = homemade guacamole. McCormick's guacamole mix and two avocados does the trick!  That mix is really on point!  Oh, and don't forget the hint of lime tortilla chips.
2. I love and appreciate everyone who has wished me a happy birthday and to offer condolences for the passing of my dog, Big Mac.
3. Talking with my brother and sister - I proposed the idea of having an annual family gathering. This would be just for out immediate family. We don't see one another often enough and I love the idea of doing something that is a little more routine. 
4. Now, I haven't watched RuPaul's Drag Race in over a year but I am diggin' the season premiere tonight.
5. I enjoy surprising people with gifts. I'm glad Jason liked his birthday card and small gift. :0)

Here's to the Freakin' Weekend - I'll Drink to That

It's my birthday weekend and with that said - I most likely won't write any entry on the same day. HAHAHA!! Last night I went to happy hour and had a great time.  It must have been league night because I saw a few people from the league there. I really enjoyed myself and what's even better - I was home at a decent time.

1. I talked about it and I have conquered!  I woke up and went to the gym at 6:15 this morning.  I have to say that I currently feel pretty good.  Then again, it's only 8:45 AM. LOL  I'm glad I did it though.  It's nice to know that I have the rest of the day to myself.  I also think that by working out I may be a little more conscious about what I eat during the day. It's kind of like when you're in school and the teacher says "You all start off with As and the challenge is maintaining that grade". I'm starting off with an A for today and I just have to maintain that grade.  What a novel concept.  I'm going to have to think more on that.
2. Last weekend I went out and sang karaoke. The song I chose was "The Body Electric" from the film Fame. After my workout I was driving in the car and the song popped into my head.  It's such an inspirational song. I really like hearing the string instruments in it and I like the fact that the singers are much like the singers I knew and was in high school - not the greatest but we could hold a note. Right on, Fame!
3. Pretty glad that I drove home early last night. Driving back from DC late at night is for the birds!
4. I love that La Nina has been doing her thing. The weather has been fantastic!!
5. When it's your birthday weekend people like to buy you drinks. Tonight that happened a couple times. Viva La Free Beer!

This Black Guy Says...

Woo.... the week is almost over.  You do know what that means, right??? Oh sure you do!  You just have to know.  It's my birthday weekend! I'm trying to plan some celebratory moments to ring in the next year of life. I hope I'm successful. Whatever it may be, I'm sure that it'll be fun.  

1. To start getting my mind right for the weekend I checked out this video.  Boots and Cats - Check it out for yourself!
2. LOLOLOL!!!! Okay, the series of knock-off videos for "Shit _______ Say" and here's the "Shit Black Guys Say".  I have heard these being said by friends many times over. LOL  RIDICULOUS - yet accurate. Always good for a laugh!
3. I loved having a good laugh in Rosanna's office with a student after work hours.  That's one of those moments you can never recreate nor could have imagined.
4. I learned something new today. This time it was related to website design.
5. Today I received my first (and perhaps only) birthday present that was truly planned and not a "Oh by the way, since it's your birthday I'll... " type of gift. While I don't knock any gesture, the ones that are thoughtful make me feel special.