Happy Birthday Baby!

Well...the big day is finally here. After days...nay, weeks...of build up to Trish's second milestone birthday (with 21 being the first), the day has finally come. It's been a pretty good few days so far for her. Check it:

- Saturday, May 5: Someone who loves Trish very, very much (no, not Lerve goddamnit!) took her, her parents and about 20 of her closest friends to the Royals vs. Tigers game that night. Not only did I make my famous "Neuty Burgers," but I also made Jello-Shots (a new tailgate favorite and a real crowd pleaser), Sangria, guacamole and salsa. Truly a feast for kings...or the most beautiful woman in the world. In addition to the great food and fun in the parking lot, I also caught a foul ball for her! Well...retrieved. Stolen, perhaps. So what if that damn kid in the wheel chair was in my way...he had a helmet on. And he was standing between me and that ball, leukemia or not. Bottom line: I wanted it more. Okay...so that's a complete fabrication. But I did get a foul ball for her; Russ Gload knocked one into the stands just behind us, and it rattled around a bit before landing just below my feet. Pretty thrilling, actually. This is the third ball I've ever received, first one I've ever caught while "in play." Needless to say, Trish was quite impressed with my quick hands and obviously I gave her the ball. Perfect cap to a perfect day.

- Monday, May 7: Birthday shopping for Trish! I'm sure the prettiest girl in Lawrence will read this today, so I can't yet reveal the other presents I got for her. Suffice it to say I think I did damn good. And really, don't I need to? This is the woman who does my laundry, rubs my back at night, does the dishes, generally puts up with me, cooks, cleans and spends her free time doting on me. Tell me...how did I get this lucky again?

- Tuesday, May 8 (her real birthday!): We begin the day as usual, by hitting the alarm clock repeatedly. Shortly after we get up, Trish's parents call at the same time she was born, 7:27am. What good folks Ric and Jeanne are. Needless to say, this is one of Trish's favorite little traditions (especially now that she no longer lives in the Mountain time zone) and it made her already special day even better. And to top it off, they (Ric and Jeanne) are cooking dinner for us tonight...lobster. It's been years since I've had lobster, and I'm looking forward to this as much as Trish is. The only downer is that we have to spend 8 hours at work (and apart) today. Damn work! I want lobster! And Trish! More Trish!

So, that's mostly what our past few days have looked like (also, notice that this is the 25th post in honor of Trish's 25th birthday). I simply can't believe how lucky I've been these past few years. I'm just a normal, beer drinking, fun loving guy who happened to win the lottery. There's lots of people out there who are as lucky as I am, but nobody is any luckier. I can't believe my good luck sometimes. I mean, how many guys do you know with "love handles" and a beer belly who get to spend the rest of their lives with the most beautiful woman in the world, one who selflessly gives back to the community as a teacher? Not too many I'm sure. So baby, happy birthday, and thanks for making my life better every waking moment. You're a dream come true and I love everything about you. I hope your special day has been everything you dreamt of and then some. I love you I love you I love you.

~Bear