this is [42]

 thankful for one more lap around the sun...

this is [41]

another birthday and finally it feels a tad bit more normal.  i finally returned to my favorite bar for breakfast with friends and enjoyed a few hours of greasy food and bloody mary's.

maybe it's the fact it had been close to three years since i had been there, or possibly just great family and friends around, but it was a great way to start 41.

happy [70] pop

i flew back home to throw a s urprise birthday for my dad. for an amazing guy that always puts others first and has done so much for me, it felt so good to have all his friends and family celebrate him.  love you pop!

this is [40]

so this is 40. 

 

to be honest not what i expected or planned.  minus the fact that we're still in the middle of a global pandemic and this is the second birthday spent in quarantine without celebrating with friends...there is no way i would have guessed my life would have been like this when i turned 40.  not good or bad...just unexpected. but i guess i'm at the point in my life now where i can say [that's life] and really have some experience behind it

to borrow a line from my blog title, here i am 40 years old, learning about life and getting paid with experience...still.

birthday [selfie]?

this year's birthday was a little different.


the current pandemic and self isolation canceled the few plans i had.  however, one thing that was different and new, this was the first time i celebrated a birthday as a dad.  spending the day relaxing and chilling with my daughter was a perfect way to celebrate my last year in my 30's.

bbq and [besties]

another year older and another year celebrating with bbq.  i'm not complaining about either....

i entered 38 with a surprise gathering my wife planned at one of my favorite places to eat.  she knows too well some of my favorite things in life are well done burnt ends and good friends.  the only downfall was i was so busy chatting and catching up with everyone, i didn't have time to enjoy much bbq.  i did however snag a few smoked chicken wings from a friend which have know entered my top five all time best wings i've ever had in my life.

much like the wings i have a feeling 38 is going to be one of the best years of my life.

just a few [b's]

the older i get, the less i need to be happy.


and it's not even like i'm *that* old (although this birthday puts me closer to 40 than i'd like) i think what i mean is that as life gets more complicated and sometimes more stressful, little things mean more to me than they use to.

all these thoughts came about when my wife asked me what i'd like for my birthday.  after some thought i told her, "bbq, beer and basketball."

one of the absolute best things about my birthday is that it falls during march madness and this year my alma mater was playing in the elite eight.  so for my birthday my wife took my to my favorite bbq place, found me a great spot at the bar right in front of the tv and with a little sweet talking she got the bartender to put on the game....which no one else in the place cared about.  upon hearing it was my birthday, the bartender even gave me a beer on the house.  so there i was, another year older, beer in one hand and a fork full of brisket in the other, a little bit of bbq in my beard, watching college basketball and grinning from ear to ear.

although my team lost, it was a wonderful night.  who knows, if this "appreciating the small things" trend continues, maybe all i'll need to be happy at 70 is an ice cold dr, pepper!

and for those damn kids to stay off my lawn.

man[ly] pedi

for my birthday, my girlfriend decided she'd surprise me. she didn't tell me much, only that we had to be somewhere at 3pm one saturday.

i was in suspense.

what could it be? had she made late lunch reservations at my favorite steak place? had she found an old schwinn bicycle on craigslist and we were going to pick it up? was there to be an amazing sale on some vintage vinyl?  had she rented out a small venue so my favorite band could play for me and my closest friends? a private screening of "back to the future?" the possibilities were endless, and i couldn't wait!

as the time neared, we got into the car and traveled east. not giving a hint, she drove and my mind raced. eventually we pulled into a lot and parked in front of several store fronts.  reading the signs, i analyzed each one trying to solve the mystery.  eventually my eyes stopped at the shop right in front of us which read "beau monde spa and boutique."  my mind went blank, for there was absolutely nothing i could possible want in that store. surely this wasn't it.

as it would turn out, it was. we walked in; the place smelled of a french vineyard. hints of lavender blossoms and wild poppies filled the air. my girlfriend then spoke the words cementing my fate.

"we're here for our 3 o'clock pedicure."

i was in all out panic mode. i had no idea what happens in these "so called" pedicures, but i knew it involved strangers touching and rubbing my feet and i wanted nothing to do with it.  the complementary lemonade they offered did nothing to calm my anxiety...i needed whisky.

surveying the situation, it wasn't hard to noticed i was the only male in the room. outnumbered, i backed myself into a corner of pumice stones so no one could sneak up on me.  my protective position only lasted a moment as minutes later two women came out and called our names. i downed my lemonade as if it were a shot of jameson and entered into unknown territory...a spa.

i was placed in some sort of contraption with a bucket of water at one end; naturally i assumed it was for the water boarding about to commence. i was then asked to remove my shoes, obviously so i couldn't run.  i hesitantly removed my boots and placed my feet in the warm water. i was now trapped. seconds later the poor soul sentenced to touch my feet went to work.  i closed my eyes and dug my fingers into the arm rest.

then the true surprise happened. i was not in pain, in fact far from it. the contraption i was forced to sit in was actually a message chair and it was hitting all the right spots.  somewhere between the lumbar pulses and the exfoliating foot massage i started to relax, almost falling asleep.  time flew by and an hour later the ordeal was done.  my soul and my new found baby-like feet were in heaven.  getting out of , my now favorite chair in the world, the pedicurist said i had beautiful feet for a man. i'm not sure if she says that to every poor sap who visits the spa or not, but i'm a sucker for flattery.  i blushed and said thanks.

in every sense of the word my girlfriend had surprised me. never in a million years would i have voluntarily gone to spa, and she knew that.  i not only received a pedicure that day, i also got a very relaxing reminder to always keep an open mind. i loved it so much, i might actually go back again, although i still think a shot of whiskey would be nice.

perfect [strangers]

i celebrated my birthday with 10 people i had never met...and it couldn't have been more memorable.

over the past several years, i've always seemed to be in a different location for my birthday.  this year found me in washington dc attending an architecture conference.  actually, the conference had ended that afternoon and a few people from the young associates committee were staying an extra night, and kindly invited me to join them for dinner.  through various helpings of pizza and drinks, one of them mentioned their birthday had been the other day. having been silent about my own birthday, i thought it too much of a coincidence not to mention it was in fact mine that day. 

somewhere between those two facts and a single cupcake with a candle on it, we all became friends. the evening continued past dessert right into a dive bar with pool tables and cheap drinks.  conversation topics ranged from the serious, like what type of projects everyone worked on, to the more entertaining, like what movie would you'd watch if you were on a desert island and only had one to watch. we drank, played pool, shuffle board, and darts. basically conversations and activities you'd have with life long friends.

although i missed the wonderful people i call my friends and family back at home, there was something very refreshing spending a birthday with 10 complete strangers...people who i may never see again...but who are now facebook friends.

the year in pictures [2011]

 year seven for the [year in pictures] post.

i never plan to have a [theme] every year, but looking back over the pictures i've taken, trying to find ten to represent the year, it's hard not so see a common thread form.  as much as i feared turning 30 last year, it ended up be a very moot point, not nearly as painful as i had originally thought.  instead 2011 seemed to be a year of [connections].  not only did i make some new and incredibly dear friends the last twelve months, i was also able to strengthened the [connections] with friends and family already in my life.  [connections] are a funny thing, in that they're not a one way relationship, but rather act as a path between two points. a link, taking, giving, and sharing equally.  as much as i've gained by these [connections] over the past year, i hope i've lived my life in a way so the feeling is mutual on the other end.

with that said, take a look at these pictures, some previously featured and some not, and get yourself [connected] to 2011.

chasing_geese_2.5.11 

i don't often write about relationships, but i couldn't reflect on the past year without mentioning one i had.  for the better part of last year, i had a girlfriend. she was without a doubt one of the most selfless and caring people i've ever had the privilege to meet.  although it didn't work out between us, i'm eternally grateful for the time we spent together and how she taught me, through her own actions, to be a better person.  this photo was taken while we enjoyed the snow, and wildlife, in watson park.

 bar_stories_3.17.11 

for my 30th birthday, i took a trip to new york city to visit friends living there. although i don't see them as much as i did in college, they're the type of friends everyone should have. the type where you can go months or years without seeing them, sit down at a bar table, and it's like you were never apart.  here we all are enjoying cocktails at brooklyn social.

 dance_of_the_bohemian_chicks_3.18.11

during the same trip to new york city, i found myself venturing to area's i had never been before. by some weird and wonderful coincidence i stumbled upon washington square located in greenwich village. not only did it provide the perfect landmark to rendezvous with some canadian friends, but it ended up being the perfect place to spend the day.  new york had suffered a very long, cold and bitter winter, and this particular day was the nicest weather seen in 6 months. it seemed the whole city was enjoying the day, and everyone in the village was at the park. music was being played, people were dancing, and everyone was in a great mood.  these girls, dancing along to some bongos, exemplifies the whole experience for me.

monday_night_friends_3.22.11

after flying back from new york, my friends in town, met me at my favorite bar to celebrate my birthday.  a year ago, i hadn't met most of them, but in just 12 months they've become some of my closest and best friends.  it's an incredibly passionate, talented, and creative group of people and i'm honored to call them friends.

pho_sure_5.20.11

last year i was introduced to a vietnamese soup called pho. my friends, being the pho-natics they are, insisted i try it.  being the typical mid-west-steak-n-potatoes kind of guy i am, i was skeptical, and at first, hated it. now, i can't get enough of it, enjoying it at least a few times a month.  i like this photo because it's a little reminder to always stay open minded and to try new things, because you might just be surprised.

writing_on_the_wall_5.30.11

last spring i discovered a local artist working on a mural.  the spot had originally been a very ugly and mundane stucco wall.  working on it late at night, every morning on my commute i would see his progress.  with the piece finished, it's now a hot spot for photographers shooting senior photos, and engagements.  not only is it great to see more public art popping up around wichita, but i love when someone can take the dull, and boring and turn it into something artistic.

  looking_up_6.25.11

this summer my friends and i took a spontaneous trip to view a fly-in.  the environment was magnetic.  we were exposed to a whole different culture, and couldn't take enough pictures of it.  between the planes, the sunset, the weather, and the mood, we were running around like little kids, capturing all we could.

under_the_bridge_7.3.11

also this summer, one of my best childhood friends got married.  falling in love with a girl from iowa the wedding took place near davenport.  knowing jack kerouac had mentioned the city in his book "on the road" i was curious if i could pin point the spot he mentioned.  before leaving the city, i found a bridge that existed at the time he traveled through.  i sat and stared at the river, thinking back to the first time i saw the mississippi.  although i didn't have the same experience as jack, i thought about the words he wrote, and pictured him traveling across this bridge.

"...and here for the first time in my life i saw my beloved mississippi river, dry in the summer haze, low water, with its big rank smell that smells like the raw body of america itself because it washes it up."

home_slice_9.27.11

once again i traveled down to texas for the austin city limits music festival.  past years have always been filled with great friends, great music and great food, and this year was no different.  i spent three wonderful days with my austin friends, and even managed to make a few new ones in the process.  i love austin.  it's a city in every sense of the word, offering up new gems to discover every time i visit.  on this trip, i was introduced to "home slice" pizza.  after a long day in the sun, it was the best pizza and beer combo i had ever enjoyed, and the atmosphere surrounding the place was second to none.

 where_the_art_is_12.3.11

making connections with people help you see the world in a new light, even when that world is your own hometown.  last month my friends wanted to check out a new art exhibit at the museum  as much as i love art, i probably would not have gone by myself, but with a good group of friends it turned into an amazing day.  just another reason, out of many last year, i'm grateful for the [connections] i've made.

i love [karaoke] in the fall

celebrating the birthday of a friend, karaoke-ing the night away was the perfect excuse to dust off the camera.

not only did i enjoy capturing the wonderful faces people make while singing along to bonnie tyler and ben folds, i was also reminded that night, we're entering my favorite time of year. the sun is still out, illuminating the colors autumn provides, but a jacket is needed to hide you from the increasing hint of winter. the time of year where you find yourself tempted inside by the promise of a fireplace and the warmth of a cup of coffee. scarves start their slow migration from storage spaces onto suits and smocks. dinners become gravy laden and desserts oven baked. a time perfectly fit to focus on friends and family.

i was also reminded that night, why i never got a record deal. i did discover however, i do a great rendition of "mahna-mahna".

[saturated]

i finally got around to editing some photos from my birthday. they're a little on the saturated side...but that seems fitting with the atmosphere that night. here's to the next decade.

everybody loves [lent]

it wouldn't be a fat tuesday celebration without listening to my favorite cajun band, the mudbugs...which also happens to be the band of one of my most loyal blog commenters. their music proved once again, to be the perfect soundtrack to a gumbo and jambalaya feast.

as accordion and washboard sounds bounced around the brick walls, i started pondering what i might give up for lent this year. as every catholic knows, what you give up needs to be a sacrifice. something in your life, difficult to refrain from for 40 days, otherwise...what's the point.

pondering this sacrifice, i wanted to find something in my life i could do without, that would be unique as well as insightful. this led me to the thought of "giving up" my twenties. now although that will happen during this lenten season whether i like it or not, it's more of a lifestyle change.

i'll give up my busted blue jeans, and start wearing pleated khakis. i'll start using starch and tuck in my shirts. i'll stay clean shaven year round, and schedule haircuts every 3 weeks. i'll start watching the news in the morning while eating oat bran cereal. i'll pay attention to the stocks and be able to discuss the market at length in any given conversation. i'll eat dinner at 4pm. i'll start attending michael mcdonald concerts. i'll start watching re-runs of "everybody loves raymond" and laugh at all the marriage jokes....

...or i might just give up dr. pepper.

[frosted]

this past weekend we received a not-so-subtle reminder that kansas doens't care what the calender says, it was still winter. having already told myself saturday morning was going to be spent photographing a park i've always passed by, but never enjoyed, i figured the snow would just have to be dealt with. walking around, however, i found it to make an excellent addition to the days subjects. enhancing the color of a group of benches, showing off the minimalism of the parks mid-century structures, and adding to the feeling of a pool closed for the season. walking around, the snow also reminded me i had not dressed nearly warm enough, as the walk only lasted an hour before needing to warm up with some coffee.

was it a coincidence that i also found my first gray hair last weekend? probably not...just another not-so-subtle reminder of passing time. i didn't however pluck it, like the snow, i considered it an enhancement. the first small step into my (hopefully) george clooney-esque looking middle age.