My list of thanks.
Chris Fultz - For helping me with everything I needed, giving me leeway where it was appreciated, and being the guiding light of the weekend.
Libby Ritchie - For being open, honest, appreciative, and most of all, a pillar of strength for everyone. IRI is always a blast with you around.
Andy Baker - The star of the Kamens. Thanks for the effort you've put in.
JVN, Jess Boucher, Ken Leung, Jeremy Roberts, Jtosh Hambright, Ben 'Bean' Lauer, and Chris Noble - Thanks for giving me somebody to hang out with all weekend. Always a pleasure with you folks. I had a great time and an excellent birthday, and all of you made it possible.
Ricky Quininininininnininininnnininones from Oconomo-what?! - You are amazing and wonderful, and an inspiring FIRSTer. Thanks for your dedication, your knack at making things seem better with a hug, and moreover for letting me say that the GMD of FIRST is one of my friends.
Jason Morrella - Thank you for wearing a tie.
David Kelly - If I had a right-hand man, you'd be it. You have helped me with every endeavor, every venture, every committee and project I have ever needed help with, and still stand on the sidelines to support whatever I do. You're amazing, kid.
Brandon Martus - You are an amazing Slash, but an even better friend.
The group from Thursday night's Formal Dinner - Thanks to everyone who came for going along with Jess and my crazy ideas and planning. I hope everyone had a great time and had a little fun being silly and playing dress-up. Everyone looked rather spiffy... maybe it was all the ironing Jess and I had to do?
Dan Green - Your job is hard. Much respect for the play-by-play announcers... it's more difficult than you think. I'm glad I got the chance, I hope I did okay!
Tom Schindler - You took over the field operations without flaw. You even saved the day (and the Talent Show with the Kamens' act) when the scoring table set fire. You made me a promise - that the field would be ready to go at 9 pm - and you were done hours before that. Thank you for everything.
Big Mike - Thanks for being my goon bodyguard and taking care of some fools! And P.S. ladies - Big Mike knows how to DANCE!
Travis Hoffman, Goose, Maverick, and Team 48 - One of the sweetest birthday presents I received. It's good to know I'm still alive, too (I was worried! I still had a whole other day of competition left!). Karthik was there in spirit. I was crying, I was laughing so hard. Thank you so much.
Joe and Amy Johnson - Thanks for being good sports and putting on a great show. I'll be your Vanna White again any day.
To all the acts in the Talent Show - Thank you to the ridiculously hysterical judges:
Jason Morella, JVN, Paul Copioli, Ken Patton, and Dave Lavery. Thank you to
David Kelly, Tom Schindler, Meli Wheeler, and Cory McBride for helping get the field and music ready. Thank you to
Linnea from 716 for doing an EXCELLENT job covering when we had a field malfunction. Thank you to
the 1458 kids for swallowing other people's spit. A huge thanks to
Andy, Ernie, Chris, Dave, and Brandon - you guys put 100% into this, and I hope you got 150% out. Everyone remember this: we signed the Kamens first!
Dave Lavery - The birthday present. It even SMELLS authentic!
Josh Hambright and DJ Fluck - For the birthday song on Friday. Now I have to come up with ways to get even!
All those who submitted for the IRI UFH Award - Thank you for contributing to something great.
Someone asked me on Friday 'why I was spending my birthday with a bunch of geeks' (jokingly, of course). I wouldn't have had it any other way. Surrounded by friends and respected mentors, your presence has made this the best birthday present ever.