In the aftermath of my 40^th birthday recently, I noticed something about the gifts I received. Almost every one had something to do with food or beer.

Part of me wondered what this said about me. Do I drink too much or do I just enjoy quality beer? Am I a glutton or do I just enjoy eating out? Am I so hard to buy for that people just fall back on the simplest gift?

After talking to my wife, I realized that I had no room to complain. I liked getting beer and oft cards for restaurants. Outside of someone dropping big bucks to give me a Wii, I really didn’t want anything special for my birthday. I really appreciated that people knew my tastes so well.

For a while, it looked like I would get very few gifts. I had said for months that I wanted to celebrate my 40^th in style. I wanted to rent out a pavilion or go to some fun location and have a big party.

I had no qualms about turning 40. I know inside, I feel and act a lot younger. I see no point in getting worried over a number.

Then I realized an event like that would require a lot of work. I didn’t know if I cared enough to put in that much time and effort to be honest. I just let the idea die.

At some point in July, Maria asked me if I wanted a party. I hemmed and hawed for part of a day trying to decide.

I did, but I knew that she would end up doing a lot of work. I didn’t want to saddle her with that just to boost my self-esteem.

But who doesn’t love a good boost to their self-esteem? I told her I did want a party, but tried to do what I could to make sure she didn’t kill herself with work.

My wife fits the “hostess with the mostest” bill perfectly, so the potential for her going overboard really existed. Luckily, she kept things simple, and we ended up with a small cookout for some family and friends.

I am really glad I decided to go ahead with a party. I spent a decent amount of time manning the grill, cooking way too much food. We had lots of good grub and some wonderful beverages to go with it.

We even broke out the cornhole boards for some of our friends to see just why the game is so much fun.

I didn’t want gifts, but some people did bring presents. I appreciated that, but the real gift was spending the day with the people who make you realize that turning 40 is a good thing. The milestone simply means I have had some great times and collected some amazing memories along the way.

I only regret that no one thought I deserved a Wii to commemorate the occasion. I could probably use that new Wii Fit thing to get back in shape after I enjoy the rest of my presents.