28

Today I turn 28.

Unlike back in the day, birthdays don't mean much now. I can drive, vote, and buy all the porn, tobacco, and alcohol a man could ever want. I have experienced every birthday milestone except those granting me senior citizen discounts at the movies and a Social Security check — which are a loooong way away and nothing to look forward to. However, 28 is a personal milestone of another kind.

This is my first birthday back in the Midwest — back home amongst the colorful autumn foliage — since 2005. Between then and now I spent this date in The Golden State, and without the customary trimmings and magnificence of a traditional October, my birthday never felt the same. It was another day of life. Though I received birthday cards and accolades from family and friends, as always, it was different for me.

A lot of it, I think, had to do with the fact I received those birthday wishes over the phone and through email and snail mail, not in person. October 22 may be my day, but it is nothing special unless I can share it with those close to me.

But today, for the first time in five years, I get to do that. I get to go out with the fam, celebrate, open a few presents, and eat a little cake.

Oh — and drink some beer. But I’ll get to that later tonight.