Really it was the silence at the end of the day that said it all. After three days, four nights of bells chiming, laughter drifting listlessly through the smoke, and the dry eyes that only recycled desert air can give you, after all is said and done, the silence of settling into my bed is what I will remember most about my 30th birthday. It was that kind of exhaustive silence that lends itself to self-reflection, the night air thick with realization. Three days with 7 friends and the reminder of the other ones left at home when I moved out here. I didn't just leave my family and my work and my mountains - I left the stupid stories, the dumb jokes, and the kind of adventures that will be retold to each other for years to come.
So while others wonder why Vegas is such a big deal and why I go every year, I can only grin back in stupid silence, with the truth just behind my lips. The truth that somehow, this city built on fools, excess, greed, and vanity somehow delivers to me the simple reality of what it means to be surrounded by your friends.
That's what birthdays are all about, right?
(now...if they can only find my luggage)
UPDATE: Jayson posted some nice B&W's on his site. Check them out here.
Happy birthday Jacob! Remember - 30 is the new new 25. ;)
Posted by: Cheri | June 21, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Just another comment...your friends take some AWESOME pictures. I just saw the Vegas ones--what a great idea to take em in black and white. They're eerie and very cool.
Posted by: Katie | June 19, 2007 at 05:22 PM
I had a great time Jake! That trip was a good mix of steady fun. I got a few pictures, a little different (hope to have them up in the next day or two).
Posted by: Jayson Mcivor | June 14, 2007 at 05:16 PM
30?!? Dude...you're old...;)
Posted by: Katie | June 12, 2007 at 11:14 AM
John, it'd be great to have you out here! Jayson was in Jersey yesterday, but think he's on his way home today.
Posted by: Jacob | June 12, 2007 at 09:53 AM
that was very well written actually... i have no idea why i'm surprised. :)
and i'm secretly hoping that you never do get your suitcase back... because that just means more shopping for me.
Posted by: Tara | June 12, 2007 at 09:21 AM
Happy Birthday, Jake!
Sounds like you had a great time and I wish I could have been there... I'm hoping to make it out to NYC this summer and hang out with the 30-something Jacob then!
John
Posted by: John | June 12, 2007 at 12:06 AM