I got back from my weekend trip to Las Vegas last night. It was just a brother thing; four of us, including my twin brother, left for the weekend on a five hour trip to Vegas in celebration of our twenty-first birthday. The unfortunate part was that one of our brethren wasn't able to make it, for reasons I shall not disclose.

Overall, it was one of the best weekends I had in a long time. There was something immensely satisfying about being able to walk through the casinos all by myself without a parent or older friend/family member having to escort me around. It was nice to be able to buy my own jack and coke for the first time in my life -- and it was quite delicious too. There were so many options open to me now in this town; a place that, in all of my previous visits, was largely closed to me save for the hotel room, the pool, and the occasional arcade here and there.

The best part, however, wasn't really that I finally had access to most if not all of the things Vegas has to offer for those of age. Quite honestly, it was being able to get out and do things with my brothers. A part of me feels ashamed that I've never said this to their faces, but it truly was the best part. Of late, I've had little to no time to really spend time with my family -- in part due to time constraints thanks to work, school, or other plans and in part due to... issues currently plaguing us. So, it was truly amazing to be hanging out.

We stayed at the Riviera, which is further down the northern end of the strip. It wasn't the best spot when considering most of the best places are down the other way, but it was hardly a complaint since the room was fairly inexpensive. I had no problems walking anyway, as it gave us ample opportunity to do some sight-seeing and explore some of the fancier hotels (Planet Hollywood, by the way, is amazing inside!). It was also better to walk during the day anyway, since the streets were so cluster-fucked with traffic.

I wouldn't trade this weekend for anything else. I think I needed it. Not to celebrate my birthday, but just because I needed to get out for a couple days. It certainly helped. However, I'm also glad to be back home.

My birthday is this Sunday -- October 17. I'll be 21. Party time, right? Time to get wasted? Nah, probably not, though I'll probably have some drinks.

I'm going to be spending most of the day working which automatically sucks, but then I spend the evening with my family and the later part of the night probably hanging out with friends. Though this has pretty much been the formula for my birthday every year since high school, it doesn't bother me. I still enjoy myself and I get to have some fun.

However, the one thing I've come to hate, more than anything, about my birthday is trying to figure out what I want. The simple answer is that for the past few years I've never really wanted nor needed anything. Anytime a CD or movie comes out I usually buy it myself since it seems like none of this stuff comes out around my birthday and I'd rather not wait to get my hands on it. I've tended to purchase my own things since getting a job and having a paycheck, so by the time my birthday rolls around I'm pretty much set.

I also hate answering with "nothing really" or "just get me a gift card" when anyone -- family or friends -- ask me what I'd like for my birthday, or even Christmas. The answer is really just that. I don't even need anything. Call it cheesy or corny if you'd like, but of late I've realized that all I really care to have on my birthday is just fun with my friends and family.