Just like when I was a kid

I also celebrated my 28th birthday when I got home from the trip. Had a small grill out party and although it had a low turnout of people, it was still fun. I think as you go older, the parties become less about how big they are and wasted everyone gets and rather it becomes more of seeing people you don't really get to see that often and keeping in touch with the people that matter. Amazing what you realize when you get older.

Plus in line with getting older, my nephew celebrated his birthday right smack on my birthday January 9. He couldn't have his on December 24 since no one would come to that party. Anyway, another reminder that we're all growing up. There is actually a younger generation now in our family that would have those big outrageous parties. I feel bad but I can be cool with that.

Glad to know though that there's another generation up there that feels the same way I do. My dad took me out during my birthday morning to get me a gift. Any grown man would say "Dad, I'm 28 so stop doing this", but I just let it happen, most probably because it made me feel like a kid again and it sounded fun. I also know my dad likes getting me scale models because we share the hobby. He does the hardcore army/navy ones and I do the giant robots.

Anyway we hit Toy Kingdom and check out the Gundam model kits. For a while, I felt the shame: being 28, in a toy store and with my dad there to buy me something. But then I realize this is probably my dad's way of wanting things to stay the same. With us getting older and all, the old man probably wants to remember the times when he's pick us out toys when we were kids and that great feeling bringing home something awesome to play with. So the shame suddenly means nothing as i realize just how cool my dad and this situation is. We look around and pick out the most badass looking one and head home.

And just after a few minutes after getting into the car, I open up the plastic and take a peek inside...

Crazy badass Gundam kit.

So that officially ends my holiday season.
As things change around me, may the things that warm the heart stay the same.