26

I’ve never really been a fan of birthdays…I don’t necessarily know why but it’s generally a time where I become unnecessarily down and dumpy. This year was a bit different for me as, with the help of a very special someone, I decided to actually “plan” some sort of gathering. After much deliberation, not necessarily on MY end, a restaurant was chosen and then a karaoke venue. I sent out the invite to a handful of those near and dear to me in New York and wished for the best. Upon leaving work I went with Robin to spin class where a birthday treat was waiting for me in the form of Jake Gyllenhaal; I thought that we were going to be friends but he stole our bikes with his celebrity status and forced us into a later class…guess I was staying in the city. After the entertaining and rhythmic class that started with us running two blocks in cycling shoes, we hopped in a cab and made out way to dinner. I have to be honest in saying that at moments my worries began to swell up inside of me but were soon suppressed as soon as I realized that I just needed to let fate take over and enjoy whatever I’m given. Once we arrived at the restaurant people began to filter in. One by one our table was filled…adding seats when necessary for guest appearances. Sitting down with a table full of those who have been instrumental in many of the positive transformations over the past year…the hardest year of my life…and knowing that they are all there for the long haul was one of the best revelations possible…I was happy…and I have a lot of great friends(I guess I have to admit this now). As dinner began to wind down I was surprised with not one but two chocolate cakes…seriously…what did I do to deserve this? After dinner we made our way, just a few blocks over, to karaoke. The night was seemingly endless…minutes crawled by as rendition after rendition of 90’s hits were belted out by some of New York’s finest. An endless sea of alcohol and treats swept through the room until roughly 6AM when the night was finally coming to a close. Hopping in a cab once more and driving through the city and over the bridges gave me some more time to reflect on the events of the past 24 hours…again I realized again how happy I was and how fortunate I am to be surrounded by such a quality group of standup individuals…you guys aren’t just friends to me…you’re also my family.

I just wanted to say thank you to anyone that participated in my birthday…whether it be through a facebook message, a phone call, a text, a card, sharing dinner, singing a song, riding a stationary bike, or just eating cake. Words can not express how grateful I am for each and every one of you being in my life and I hope that one day I am able to do something equally as incredible for all of you…26 was truly a great birthday and I have all of you to thank…I’ll NEVER forget this one.