Happy Birthday to You

My buddy Rico, originally uploaded by kai smart.

This weekend, My buddy Rico turns 40. I am only assuming he doesn't care about his age being broadcast across the internet. However, you can tell by the above picture that this coming milestone (millstone?) effects none of his charm or sophistication. Rico has The Cool, and always has had it.

Rico wears Raybans and khakis like it's 1986, and I think that probably hipsters across America will be biting this style very soon. Also, his name is Rico, for Christ's sake, and he travels all over the world. He is also the Number One Best Person To Be Stuck At A Boring Party With.

When we were first friends I dragged him to all these weird parties with my peers (he's 12 years older than I) and he didn't complain and ended up being the most entertaining person there and everyone knew it. Mainly because he can tell a story that will kick your ass up and down the block. He cares nothing for age difference, and has friends from every generation. His voice is so mesmerizing that a friend of mine tracked him down and asked him out just because she had heard his voice on the radio.

Sometimes, Rico's hair looks like Beethoven's hair. We hardly ever agree on movies, but went to the movies together weekly for many years. He's a highly motivated writer who has written many books and stories. Once, he wrote a book in which there is a character based on me and my life. It is an honor almost impossible to describe.

This weekend, I shall see Rico, and I will get to celebrate this important date with him. I am so happy.

"Rico brings the Darkness, and I follow his shredding rule"

-inside joke from another birthday party