MY BIRTHDAY USUALLY PASSES WITHOUT FANFARE.

I've never really thrown a party, or had a big dinner, or a table at a club…all those things I normally see happen when people celebrate that new cycle around the sun. My day is usually spent in the company of a few close friends, or (more likely) at work.

I WANTED SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS YEAR.

Originally, the idea was Greece. Or Panama. Or Iceland. Actually, the true inspiration was just somewhere else. That morphed into a multi-city excursion: Chicago, a city I've been to a few times and always enjoyed; Hawaii, a place I'd never been, and included the beach requirement; and Los Angeles.

Each location held its own in a different way:
A jazz festival in Chicago
Various activities in Hawaii (see below)
A chill night in LA at a happy hour and playing pool.

BECAUSE I'M ME, I BROUGHT THE CAMERA.

…and I'm actually in a few of these. It's a rare occurrence…enjoy.

P.S.

Being in Hawaii actually extended my birthday to 30 hours, with the time difference away from the East Coast. Weird to start getting texts/calls/FB posts at 6pm the day before, and "belated" texts/calls/posts starting at 6pm on your actual birthday. Thanks to everyone, no matter the time!