So it's a fellow bloggers

So it's a fellow bloggers birthday today. I also have a birthday coming up in a few weeks. The Missus has asked me to put together a list of things I would like for my birthday. Besides a single CD, I am stumped. I hate making lists like that. The whole Amazon Wishlist thing ... it's as if I expect people to spend money on me. More than that, I am enabling them. "Here, buy this for me!"

I know it helps to know what someone wants. As a giver, it's nice to know that you're getting a person something they actually want or need. But the things I really want are intangible, or monetarily prohibitive. In reality, I am already getting exactly what I want for my birthday. 2 weeks at my Shangri-La, my Valhalla. With my folks, my wife and my two best friends. There is no place I would rather be.

For me, it's about moments, not gift wrap. Last year, I asked for a party. That's what all I wanted. To be surrounded by my best of friends, some good BBQ by the pool, and a big ol bucket of beer. Of course that wasn't enough for everyone else. They had to buy me every damn pool toy in the store. So many in fact that with 20 or so adults, free flowing alcohol and the plethora of plastic, it bordered on dangerous. I got the basketball hoop, the football, the frog mini golf game, the inflatable alligator... Thank god they came to their senses and passed on the fucking Treasure Island Floating Theme Park. It was great great fun though. And that is what I am most looking forward to again this year. The people and the fun. That's the gift I want. Well, that and some cake. You can never go wrong with cake.