I’m trying to get the new year started off right by blogging about something that only happened a few days ago, instead of months or weeks ago. This is what I was up to for my birthday last week:

I stayed up late the night before, designing something to 3D print for one of my best friends, Lori, and then printed two prototypes.

I got up early on my birthday to make the 3rd revision, and print it, using a prettier filament than the other two prototypes. Very satisfying! Then I worked out, followed by breakfast and shower.

I made a grocery list, and went out shopping for party food and general food, so I could start the slow cooked chicken verde, for taco night at my party.

Adam came over later than morning/afternoon so we could have family lunch with him, Aaron and Cyndi at a local Mexican restaurant, where they talked me into having two margaritas(happy birthday, dad!). A couple hours after lunch, I drove him to the airport so he could fly to Atlanta for a big Magic The Gathering tournament that weekend. Adam told the staff it was my birthday, so at the end of the meal, they brought out ice cream in a taco shell.

That night, I threw a small party, where I handed the finished 3D print to Lori. Also in attendance was with another good Maggie(who’s also an excellent jazz vocalist) and her husband Ian, plus Cyndi. Dinner was great, and we enjoyed each other’s company, especially playing Poetry For Neanderthals, a game that challenges you to give out clues to your team using only one syllable words(hence, the name of the game). And, of course, we played the NSFW version. After the game, I accompanied Maggie on my piano for an impromptu jazz concert. It was very nice to have close friends for an intimate, chill and, at times, raucous, evening. I was very happy <3

I got some presents from my family: