With my birthday falling so close to Christmas, I am normally not able to celebrate it with my friends. They are usually traveling to visit family, or I am at home celebrating with my Mom and aunt, who both have the same birthday as me.
As December 23rd approaches, I usually get a bad feeling in my stomach. Birthdays are supposed to be filled with friends and laughter and well-wishes, and mine normally aren't. I mean, my Mom is awesome, but I spent my 21st birthday in a small bar in Oklahoma having a Bud Light with my Mom.
There's a crazy 21st birthday story for my grandkids.
But this year couldn't have been more different.
I decided that I would try to catch up with 23 people in my life either on or around my birthday. The results have been so uplifting.
I talked with Jesse about his service in the Marine reserves and how his family is doing and how he is transitioning to a new city.
I talked with Billy about his new apartment and his new album.
I talked with Peyton about his semester and his relationship and his goals and dreams.
I talked with Stephanie about her teaching job and about how becoming a curriculum coach changes things. We talked about how sometimes we think we know what we want, but when we go for it, we end up hating it.
I got to catch up with Jared and hear his heart.
I went to a party and spent time with Garrett and his friends, talking about our childhoods and families.
I spent time talking with Paige about her major and how ready she is to be done.
I got to see Blake and Katie, hear about their jobs and their new home, and hear funny stories about funny kids.
I talked with Megan and Luke about their engagement, their plans for Christmas, and, we just got to laugh.
On top of all of that, we threw THE UGLY PARTY, a step beyond the "Ugly Sweater Party," where everyone comes as ugly as humanly possible. The results were unbelievable, and we jammed 20 people into our tiny house.
All in all, this December 23rd has been one for the record books, in a really, really good way.
Thank you to everyone who has spent time with me, celebrated with me, and taken advantage of the "23 by 23." You can bet that I feel loved and surrounded by a great community, and that "24 by 24" is already on the agenda.
For now, I will leave you will some glorious pictures from THE UGLY PARTY.
Peace, love and birthdays.
- Seth
