I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a cheap person. Perhaps frugal or someone who looks for a good deal.

My birthday was a few days ago and I started looking a few years ago for ways to get free birthday stuff. A lot of it is for desserts where you have to buy a meal and I don’t really need the extra calories if they aren’t gonna be worth it.

But here is a list of things for my birthday that you can get in the Nashville and surrounding areas (I mark whether I actually use them or not)

• Regal Cinemas – if you buy one of those coupon books (which I highly recommend), you can get a free movie ticket on the day of your actual birthday
• Toots – $10 off (used)
• Famous Dave’s – $10 off (gonna use tomorrow!)
• Zaxby’s – free birthday nibbler (gonna use soon!)
• Starbucks – free coffee (doesn’t expire for a while so I’ll use eventually)
• Dave and Buster’s – $20 of gameplay for $10 (hope to use)
• Einstein Bagels – free breakfast bagel if you buy a drink (not that great of a deal and there’s not one within 30 miles of me)
• TGI Friday’s – free dessert if you buy a meal (not sure I’ll do this one)
• Gigi’s Cupcakes – free cupcake (will DEFINITELY use this one!)

We were very lucky to find Celebration Lutheran Church a few years back and start our married life in a spiritual way with the congregation there.

We also lucked out and they let us throw our latest baby shower there. Brian’s mom, sister and spouses came in along with our friends from Murfreesboro and even some Spring Hillers.

We are overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and giving. Our little girl is going to be well stocked, well dressed, and best of all, well loved. The saying “it takes a village” has been going around a lot in my mind lately – if that is indeed the case, we couldn’t have picked better people to inhabit ours!

Kudos to Sam (and Sammie B’s Sweets) for yet another awesome culinary confection – popcorn shaped cupcakes!

I have always been blessed with women in my life.

Strong. Beautiful. Independent. Smart. Caring, Loving. Feminine. Resilient.

Maybe that was to make up for the lack of male role models. Now don’t me wrong, I have my fair share of men to look up to and guide me….Uncle Harold, Granddad E.C, my stepfather Leon, Mr. Phelps, Mr. Harper, cousin David and countless others. The 8 men I had stand at my side at my wedding are each phenomenal and have left an indelible imprint on my life. My own father is not a real presence in most of my memories growing up where he should have been. I’ve long since come to terms with that and that’s not the point of this message.

The leading ladies in my life all amaze me and have filled up my heart. My wife is a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. Her heart is among the biggest I’ve ever seen and she forgives people completely and honestly.
My sister is one of the smartest people I know. She does this while still being a fun, interesting and well-rounded person. My mother is one of the bravest and strongest people I’ve had the pleasure to know. Her willpower and resolve are second to none and she taught me and my sister how to love and live and endure the world.

It makes me happy to know that my daughter will have these 3 (and my other adopted Mom’s out there) in her life. I have no doubt she will be AMAZING!

-Brian