I had a damn good birthday, although it went nothing like I planned it, and I don't even mind. Not at all. My ladyfriend lost her driver's license, so that prevented us from going to another strip club and even a casino, and I kind of surprised myself, because I was not upset. In fact, I had to comfort my ladyfriend who was more disappointed than I was, because she felt like she had let me down. So what did we do? My ladyfriend, her son and I went to the grocery store, went to the library, went to a damn good Brazilian restaurant, and we all had a fun time. I even laughed it off when the Brazillian servers came to our table to sing a corny song. My ladyfriend and I ended the night by drinking margaritas and talking. So what did I learn? I can compromise a little more than I thought I could, and it makes it easier to do when you have a woman you love. And yes that's sappier than I usually get in my blog, but that's how I feel.

I'm actually still here in New Mexico debating on whether to stay longer. The weather isn't great, but I can't even lie and say that's the reason. I'm actually enjoying not having any real responsibility, and I know as soon as I return, it is back to the daily grind. I wouldn't mind avoiding it a little while longer. And my ladyfriend's son reminds me of myself when I was his age. He's very standoffish and extremely cynical, and every now and then he'll open up, only to return to his cocoon shortly thereafter. I know it frustrates his mother, but I can definitely relate. It makes me wonder if my son will be that type of young man, or will he adopt a different type of personality.

Today is January 22nd, and from today until February 4th, when the Super Bowl is played, you'll hear countless stories about the significance of two black coaches being there for the first time. It is a big deal, and the importance of this cannot be stressed enough. But as I heard Tom Jackson from ESPN say today, it also must be stressed that both of these men are class acts all the way around. They don't yell, they don't show up their players in public, and they are very humble, while possessing that quiet, yet strong desire to win and win often. Oh and by the way, they are good coaches. I hope that is mentioned in the same breath as their race.