Every year that flies by, I become more aware of things that really matter.  This is obvious, but for someone that moved back to his college town, it’s a harsh reminder of the re-evaluation of priorities that must take place.  I know I seem more mellow than before, but maybe it’s because I can’t stay up till two in the morning and expect to feel rested AND get to work in time.  But I am already boring myself with this post (and definitely the 5 of you that happen to read this site).

If you don’t already know, I work in marketing and I relish the idea of constant communication and interaction with others.  Unfortunately, this was not one of those days.  To keep things short, my day was hectic from the very beginning.  On my drive to work, I received a phone call from my boss, making me aware that I had sent outdated documents for review to management.  I owned up to my fault, noting that I had another 43 items on top of this from the previous day’s to-do list.  This set off the tone for the rest of the day.  At work, I had at least another 20 or so items to complete for the day — not much room for celebration.

And THIS is what sucked about today.  I’m not hating the work or the assignments, but when you pair this with an awesome cubicle thrashing from my co-workers, an excellent cake with humorous decoration, tongue-staining blue icing, a mustache, and enough candles to set off the fire alarm, fruit decorated with novelty black-framed glasses and giant nose, big as your face burritos y mas from Chuy’s, a birthday card that is NSFW, headphones blasting the smooth sounds of Chromeo, AND 75+ birthday greetings via Facebook, Twitter, Email, text, and phone — it’s ridiculously difficult to do anything but smile meekly when being greeted, “Happy Birthday,” by boatloads of people.

BUT AGAIN, IT COMES DOWN TO PRIORITIES.

Work is definitely one of my priorities (unfortunately a BIG one), but I had a chance to spend some time with a handful of friends tonight and realized that my family and friends SHOULD BE and IS/ARE my #1 priority (shoot me if you disagree, but chances are, you’re not my friend if you disagree).  On the drive back to my place, I had a moment to reflect on all of the birthday wishes and realize that after the fact, the short messages from all of my friends and family made this day and year so much worth it.

A postscript: I also received a lot of messages from my High School friends, and while I am still a bit apprehensive about my upcoming class reunion, I really do look forward to seeing some of my good friends (hence my graduation photo above).

And now the thank you shoutouts:

Mom, Dad, EC, Maria, Carlo, Ian, Ashley V., Rhiannon, Alee, Adam, Allan Uy, Christy, Madee, Erica, Edita, Katie Joy, Sharon, Christina M., Marlo, Emily M., Adriana, Karen, Meredith, Biddle, Jen Strickler, Lindsay W., Muzquiz, Kelly, Marisa, Rachel R., Michael Todd, Sara (T) B., Katie C., Chris (Rico IV), Leeho, Canez to the Sion, Cody, Terence Tang, JD, Lisa D., Kristen Beth, Eddie N., Eckberg, Hea, Uncle Henry, Clarissa, Kristin V., Casey (Skydive McGee), Geraldine, Kelby, Kristin (who’s glad I was born), Cliff, Joelthecow, Rosanna, Malaboobs, Jennifer Spunky, Andy (chairman of the board), David Dancefreak, Nicole, Clarinda, Alain, Tariq (p***y), Heather McL., Mr. Myers, Jim Keyboard, Lindsey Z., Tiffany C., Fred Q., Joe (MCS), Maria M., Sly, Major Ryan, Amanda Deathray, Michael L., Nary, Frances, Valera, Marie kiki, Jenni Sagebucks, Ally P., Brian I., Missy Q., Emily A., Jillian notahickie, Amanda L., Susan (M) C., Mr. Dunlap, Anthony L., Janie M., Jill A. hoola hoops, Cat, Cimberly, Hubert, Aeisha, Don Juan, Judy N., Liz M., Jessica J., Gavino, Tam (soun), Jason H., Sarah PQ, Crystal C., Sandra (spoon), Erin D., Luis G., Jermaine J., Sylvia S., Irma, Lucy, Monica R., Bo, Laura D., Pedalmikester, Lisa 2, Coleman, Maria (by the lake), Richard L., Rob P., Yvonne, KGloria, Angelica C., Shaheen, Angie, Albo, Daniel V., Ika, Lily teacher, Agent Eddie, J-bang, Uncle Tito, Ryan Y., Amanda G. P., Thomas W., Ravina, Czarina, Gennie, Erika W., Jeffery W., Jessica and PJ, Sisa, PJ G., Amit, Jessika S., DeAnn, Chris Garr., Ray H., Mario V., Dr. Klago, Carlajean, Elaine BC, Ashley P., Canlas, Janice Joy, Julius, Tiffani, Celeste, A-Mo, Tek Munny, Joy the littlest Bernardo, Jennifer S-S., Timmy Chang, Sam N., Jason F., David S., Kim P., Jason A., Reden, Caroline M H, Ashley Summer, Rachel L., Kathleen GK, Buddy, Ronald S., Eddie G., Liza L’H., Wu, Alison A., Lance, the Jeremy, Anita, Tomas, Raisa, Chris Bat., Bryan SocialUprise, Sara K., Paolo, Eugene, Nessajoy, Staudt, Jim M., Cynthia, Heather K., Elsa, Jose, Emily A., Sherilyn, Kellie, John P., Brian S., Shaun B., Chris B., Chris G., Lisa S., Barbara E., Susie A., Randy D., Irene, Xerxes, Kristini, Frank, Tony, Kat, Allan, Kat, TJ, Gayle, Ashjoelle, Dean, Marcoose, Zaid, Trish, Jay Jay, Neal, Huck, Marc, Heidi, Krissy, Erwin

I have the sneaking suspicion that I forgot a few people, but you get the point (and my hands are cramped).  Thanks so much for making me feel special.  It was only fitting that this post has taken me right into September 9th.  Here’s to a great year ahead for everyone.