Top Five of the Thirties, Frank Style

Taken yesterday, July 28

If it's Friday and you know it, clap your hands. Clap clap. The humidity has seeped into my brain. Today is our BFF Frank's 39th birthday! Happy birthday Fronk. Every year, Frank is gracious enough to do a birthday guest blog for me (see 2015, 2014, 2013). This year I asked for it at the last second because I forgot it was the last week of July until Tuesday. A clear case of mind vacation, an affliction common in summer months. I told him to just consider himself on retainer for a July 29 blog every year in case I have brain slippage again, which is probable. Regardless, Frank pulled through for me as he always does, and this is this year's guest birthday blog.

**********************************************

Today I turn 39 and enter my last year of a pretty incredible decade. I read Steph’s blog earlier this week about this topic and I agreed with everything that she said, especially the highest of highs and lowest of lows. My 30s have changed me in so many ways that the list would be way too long for this post. I am happy to say that these changes have led me to finally feel like the man I always hoped I would be when I was slogging through my 20s. I love a good top five list so here are my five favorite moments from my 30s:

5.  Joining the Fralinger String Band. This was a huge life change for me that I knew was going to hurt a lot of feelings but it has done so much for my confidence and my talent that is has been more than worth it.

4. Road Trip to Chicago (aka my 2nd date with Amanda).  Everyone thought we were nuts but our trip had it all. From the never ending conversation, to exploring a great city, and ending with Pearl Jam. I knew it was the beginning of something special.

 3.  My Honeymoon. Without a doubt the best trip of my life. We stayed at Excellence Riviera Cancun with upgraded VIP accommodations. It was a perfect end to an avalanche of love that we received during our wedding. (I will admit to crying when we had to leave).

2. My Wedding. I had never in my life had a weekend that was perfect until that weekend.  Our family and friends went well above and beyond anything that we could imagine to make that weekend what it was. If you were there you know! I have never felt that much love directed at me and to share it with the love of my life was overwhelming. (editor's note: true story, it was fun and full of love)

1. Becoming a Father.  Due to circumstances that led to Eva having to be born two months early I cannot say that the night she was born was my favorite. I have never been more scared of anything in my life. That said, being her father is the best thing that I have ever done in my life. I had a vision of the man I wanted to be, like I am sure we all do in our 20s, and Eva has made that vision finally become reality but well beyond what I thought it could be.

So there it is. I know it's long but if you know me I am sure you aren’t surprised!  Thank you Steph for letting me do this.

                                                     ****************

No, thank YOU, my friend, for your guest blog every year. And happy last year in our 30s!