One More Candle to Blow Out

Well, once again, the Lord blessed me with seeing another April 10 come and go. That makes 28 in all now. I cannot say I feel wiser as each passes by. I think I do some things better, and some things I seem to not ever be able to get right, and some things I just do the same over and over again. One thing I have learned is that I have a lot of friends and family that love me and care about me. It is something I try not to take for granted and want to always say thank you and recognize those that do things for me that they don’t have to do. So, at this time, in this particular blog, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude that made my 28th birthday a spectacular one.

Everyone does their own thing. Some people call, some people email, some drink, etc... The point is, no one HAD to do anything. No one email or phone is more important than another in a cosmic sense, but I would be remiss to not take extra time to say a great big thanks to a few certain individuals.

First off, Melissa went above and beyond (as she often does) for my birthday. Starting with saying Happy Birthday at 12:01 am, she got me a gift certificate for a hot lather shave at a men’s spa and called the Baltimore orioles to get my name on the Jumbotron at the game we went to on that Friday to name a few things. I always tell her that she does way more than needed, but she never listens. Thanks.

My mother called me and kept calling to make sure that her baby boy heard her sing Happy Birthday on his day. This especially made me feel good as I waited in line at the DMV. She also sponsored a new pair of shoes. On another front, Cory and Regina flew over 1,000 miles apiece to spend the weekend in the nation’s capital celebrating good times. Just want you to know I enjoyed the visit.

Then there were the party goers. From karaoke to straight double vodka shots to Fuddruckers at 3am, these folks put in some hard work. So, here’s to Gavin and Jennifer Daniels, Brittany Eck, Curtis Coleman, Elizabeth Sowecke, Melissa, Cory, Regina, Damen Hymes, Kimberly Handler, Isabelle Dusfour, Jennifer Neuberger, Neelum Arya and Francisco Garcia.

Over the week, there were countless others who sent cards, (email and snail mail), emails, phone calls and text messages. I am going to do my best to remember everyone, but I am sure I missed someone. If I did, it was not ill-intentioned. Here goes...

Thank for your wishes on my birthday Roger Mays, Beverly Butler, Stephanie Butler, Dawn Michelle Samuels, Annisa Joubert, Ralph Butler, Jackie Tealer, Camille Tealer, Christopher Smith, Cornell Woolridge, Melissa Fowler, April Somers, Candice Jessup, Mary Kay Herbst, Renee Meaux, Darby Roberts, Taylor Haglund, Melissa Hammond, Jennifer Daniels, Ellen Greene, Susan Hahn, Michelle Montgomery, Regina Perkins, Cory Wagoner, Kirsten Bode, Princess Apple, G-mama Kassle, Jennifer Neuberger, Isabelle Dusfour, Michael Portnoy, Kristi Zipp, Damen Hymes, Anthony Jones, Rose Jones, Kirsten Dartnell, Emily Joyner, Kristen Holland, Jennifer Burrus, David Wiltsey, Anne Russell, Lisa Tyson, Lexi Shuey, Krista Sawtelle, Neelum Arya, Francisco Ramirez, Linda Higdon, Linda Fortson, Sheila Claytor, Tina McGuire, Duncan Manley, Vickie Harrell, Ross Hess, Chris Lamon, Shannon Davis Hunter, Christan Collins-Awad, Curtis Coleman, Brittany Eck, Panache Resturant, The Russia House Lounge, Elizabeth Sowecke, Amanda Hemati, and Eric Hemati.