(Warning: Intense brain fog today...please forgive any issues with this post!)
I can't believe that it's already been a year. This past Wednesday I celebrated my 22nd birthday and it was a bittersweet occasion. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that my birthday now acts as a reminder of the last time I felt healthy. Things went downhill rather quickly after I turned 21 in Minneapolis last year, and it wasn't even a month before I succumbed to the trials of Epstein Barr Virus. I knew that this celebration was going to be emotional, but it also ended up being a wonderful in unexpected ways
The day started out a bit boring; some apartment cleaning, a minor breakdown, and lounging around saving up energy for the night's festivities. However, it wasn't long until Carson and our friend Melissa showed up to put a smile on my face and treat me to my first pedicure ever. There's nothing like letting a random woman cut your toenails and gasp at your calluses; confidence booster indeed. As pleasant as that experience was, it was all in preparation for the required footwear of the evening: bowling shoes.
The guest list for the night was an eclectic assortment of my friends, many who had never hung out before. I always get a bit nervous when mixing groups, but from the moment we arrived at Bowlmor, it was clear that everyone was in the mood to mingle.
(All pictures by Timur Civan.)
(My one and only girlfriend Ashley catches up with Carson as I loom in the background. I make a good hat.)
(Carson looks grumpy that I chose to enter the picture. Tough. Just enjoying a crazy night out with my special celebratory birthday drink: Coca-Cola! Craziness, indeed.) 
(Not sure what I made Marcelo laugh about. Obviously I'm hilarious.) 
(The fabulous Erin picks out a ball that is bigger than her entire body.)
(Alec knows that the black light is the perfect opportunity to show off his pearly whites.)
(Julio gives bowling lessons to the onlookers.) 
(Thinking about getting back together? No, just talking about how fierce we looked in our prom photo.)
(Be careful...Melissa will eat your face.) 
(Feeling my generous heart? Or smearing beer on my chest?)
(Melissa celebrates the fact that she is wearing grey and white stripes...just like Carson and me!)
(Marcelo and Julio celebrating a strike? Or the fact that Britney Spears has a new anime music video out? )
(Carson gets the coolest shot of the night and proves that she MIGHT be a speed skater. Look at that form!)
(It's possible that my leg is asleep in this picture. Or made of wood. That being said, I did beat everyone . That's right...blogger AND bowling champion.) 
(Hence the Evita pose.)
Happy Birthday, Matt, and many, many happy returns.
Posted by: Deb | March 14, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Happy Happy BDay Sir, and now that youre 22 you have been dubbed sir.
It was a pleasure hangin' as usual.
So when are we gonna go out and go on a camera nerd playdate?
Posted by: timur | March 14, 2008 at 11:50 PM
OMG you are, (have I mentioned this before?), so FUCKING CUTE!
A year yes, but more growth within it than in your whole life time, right? I would say you are quite the outstanding guy, not because you got EBV, but because you are learning from it.
I love you xoxoxo
Posted by: Jes | March 15, 2008 at 02:08 AM
Happy Birthday wishes again! My husband commented that I somehow eaked out 5 full celebrations for my March birthday. It culminated in a kd lang concert at NJPAC on your very birthday. I sent you a silent toast.
PS - How wonderful to see Julio looking well.
Posted by: Barbara | March 15, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Matty! These pictures are so fun :) We def have to go bowling when I get there - it would be totes FAS! Love you.
Posted by: Nick | March 15, 2008 at 11:51 PM