Ta-da!

Ta-da is a mark that I've accomplished something of at least moderate significance. Today I have done so. I have finished my brother's birthday present. I am hesitant in saying it was hand made, but it was as close as I could possibly get to hand making something like this. I designed the vector graphic from a bitmap and trace the vector graphic into a Melco embroidery machine file. I think that's enough hints as to what he's getting, just in case he actually does read my blog. But, I would be happy to show you guys if I get a picture of my brother wearing the thing on Sunday, his 23rd birthday.

By the way, can anyone tell me what the importance of a 23rd birthday is? He can already drink and smoke. He's had his driver's license for some 5 or 6 years now. He won't gain anything from this experience. Well... except for the drinking and smoking and rampant sex that everyone has during every birthday that occurs while in college. But aside from the legends, myths, and stories about college life, what does a 23rd birthday hold? Does it garner respect? Fame? Are people just proud that he hasn't died yet? I know I certainly am, but that's an everyday thing. More so on the days that he does extremely stupid things. His birthday usually isn't one of those days because he isn't usually one of those guys. He celebrates with beer, tv, and games. He does not celebrate with roof jumpings, shopping cart races, and wildly swinging around a hammer while hammered.

I know I liked my 19th birthday, but that was because my party was a gathering of friends. One of these friends lives in another state but still made the trip just to lie in my bed. My brother lives with most of his friends. I'm sure they're going to party it up whether or not he wants to. I just hope I get to him early enough that he still has the sobriety to appreciate the present I got him. That might end up being the day before his birthday...

I'm sure he's going to have a good time. It will happen. I will force him to good time it up if he isn't already doing so, but it's unlikely that he won't be. At least this will be one of the first birthdays where he actually won't mind me showing up. I won't be an embarrassment. I won't be a tag-along. I'll be his friend and with his friends. And I will show them all up in the present department. I tend to do that... I don't know how. I'm just amazing like that.