Last week I celebrated my 24th wedding anniversary, followed by my 46th birthday. Every year those numbers seem more incredible to me. “Beats the alternative,” as they say.

Susan has been burning the candle at both ends at work for weeks on end, so we decided to celebrate lightly this year. The two of us had dinner at Lucky Star Casino before dropping some money into a few of their slot machines. With most of our money gone, the machine I was sitting at hit big, and I ended up winning $720! We left the house with $200 and returned with $800.

Three days later, it was my birthday. For lunch, dad and I tried Nic’s Grill for the first time. Nic’s has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and known as one of the best burger grills in town. I had heard rumors of hour long wait times (or more), so the two of us went early and arrived just before 11 a.m. Even then, half of the 18 available seats were already taken, and by 11:15, people were waiting outside for available seats. The burgers were good, but there are a lot of good burger places around town, all of which offer more comfortable seating and more menu options. Again, the food was good, but I don’t know how soon I’ll go back. For dinner, my family and I, along with my friend Jeff, his wife Heather, my mom, and her husband Jack all went to Chileno’s for dinner. Someone tipped off the wait staff and I ended up getting sung to while wearing a comically large sombrero, but the food was good, the margaritas were better, and the company was the best.

The older I get, the less I look forward to going to actual parties, but what I do enjoy — especially on birthdays and anniversaries — is taking a moment to appreciate the people who have been in (and remain in) my life all these years. So while my pinata-breaking and rafter-swinging party days may be over, it’s still nice to spend time with the people in my life. Thanks to everybody who wished me a happy birthday or anniversary!