I’m turning 28 at the end of the month. Usually when my wife or I have a birthday, we really try to do it up and celebrate with a party and presents etc…(my personal favorite part is the decadent birthday cake from our local bakery, Cakes by Darcy) This year is a bit different given our ultra-sacrifice/trip-prep lifestyle (party like a folkstar?).
Lately Linds and my mom have been requesting my birthday list (yes, I’m a 27 year old that still makes a birthday list and yes there are magic cards and video games on the list- I like silly stuff!). Usually my list is chaulk full of silly toys and indulgences that I would like to have but just never could bring myself to actually buy. This year, my mindset is different. Its amazing how living with even a little more humility will change your outlook.
1. Quantity Over Quality: As I’ve mentioned before, I love simple pleasures in life, Starbucks, whiskey, chinese takeout, Eurobrews etc… Things I haven’t really had much of lately; hey let’s be honest- it adds up! So for my 28th, I’ve asked for one (or more) of those HUGE Sam’s Club bags of Starbucks beans. Also, I asked for a huge jug of some cheap whiskey, you know- something that will last until December, then I can just ask for another for Christmas!
2. Trip Prep Items: We’re leaving for a year (or more) long trip in 6/2010 and still have to buy a bunch of stuff like little netbook laptops and a quality camera to document our trip and continue to add rich content for all of you to read. So, I’ve asked for some cash to get me closer to buying these things so that I won’t have to spend other funds on them.
Travelers: What other items should I ask for to help me on my journey to the world trip? Any suggestions or comments? As far as books, we have many of the materials we will need. Perhaps we’ll update when we get closer to the launch date, we’ll see.
As far as a party/dinner goes, the merry making will likely be reduced to coffee in the morning with a breakfast bagel, chinese lunch special, then a nice greasy pizza at my favorite local pizza place, Diesel. No party. Who needs it anyways. 
