Thirty One and Counting...

I've heard many people say that their 31st birthday was uneventful, paling in comparison to how the year before was celebrated. I have to say that I can't agree.

My family surprised me the night before my birthday by driving two hours each way just to have dinner with me.  My older sister told me earlier in the week that she would be in town, so I was expecting her, but I was shocked when I saw my mother, younger sister, and nephew coming through the front door.  It was hard for me to hold back the tears because I was so overcame with the joy of seeing them. 

The next day-- my actual birthday, my girlfriend and I ran 3.1 miles around Waterfront Park and downtown Louisville to celebrate 31 years being blessed to live on this planet and to celebrate being fit enough to run that distance.  Afterwards, we decided to ruin our run by eating sushi for lunch, and I have to say it was worth it. 

Later that evening, we decided to go to Downs After Dark. Until then, I had never been to Churchill Downs, and since I’m officially a Louisvillian now, I had to fix that.  The theme for the night was Brews, Boots, and BBQ.  While my girlfriend was excited to have another excuse to put on some fun shoes, I was looking forward to eating some good food and having fun at the track.  

One would think that I would have luck on my side due to the special occasion; that was not the case.  My girlfriend won on the first race with 36:1 odds.  Let's just say that my ego was a little bruised since I had a more complicated strategy that just betting on the horse with a cool name, but it was all in the name of fun.  The rest of the night was wonderful as we ran into a few of my friends from different circles who believed that bourbon was a proper birthday present. I obliged.

To round out the weekend, my college friends and their significant others came over to the house for dinner.  It was the first time that we hosted a big gathering for people since moving to Old Louisville, and it went really well.  It took me back to college days as we were sitting around playing spades and reminiscing about the past.  

In all, I had a great birthday.  This year's festivities spanned three days, and I have to say the party has kept going every day since then. I am thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life and to the places to which God has lead me. Here’s to 31 and counting