Junk Food Nation, today is my birthday.  As I look back on the past year, I can really say it’s been a truly great one. As I turn a year older, this blog just passed 1.5 years in existence.  To my parents, Doctor Sis, Actor Sis, Junk Food Gal, friends, colleagues, blog readers – it’s you guys who make my life feel full. Thank you for that.

As I get older, I find it doesn’t take a lot to make me happy. A new toothbrush, and I’m beaming. A slice from my favorite pizza place, and I’m set. I got a two-line email from my parents telling me Happy Birthday in Chinese, and I almost started openly weeping.  See? I’m a weird old guy now.

But, as I stated before, it’s the people in my lives that make me feel full, so I wanted to mention a few things:

1) Washington Wizards, thank you.  I asked for a win for my birthday, and you delivered. Stuff it, Portland Trailblazers!

2) Yesterday I reviewed Ben & Jerry’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream, but I left out two great reviews from two friend blogs – sorry about that!  Check these out:

Rodzilla Reviews: “This may be one of my favorite base flavors of B&J ice cream, but the lack of mix ins knocked it down a notch. I would have liked a bigger graham cracker swirl, and perhaps some additional pie crust pieces.”

On Second Scoop: “Well, it’s definitely got some strong points. The pumpkin flavor is natural but not potent (which I appreciate). The swirl is excellent, but there needs to be more of it.”

3) Finally, I wanted to do something different for my birthday, so I’m having a Charity Birthday Event to benefit two great non-profit organizations started by three law school classmates of mine: Collective Action for Safe Spaces and Mentoring Today.

So for anyone in the DC area who can make it this Saturday, you’re all invited.  Please, come on by, donate to charity, and have a drink with me.  Say hello. I’m the Asian guy – you can’t miss me.

The abbreviated details below!

E33: Tie One On — The Party Shot

Date & Time: December 1st, 2012, 9:30pm

Location: Mellow Mushroom AdMo, 2nd Floor

Address: 2436 18th Street NW Washington DC

Hosted By: Eric

Message: Be honest. You’ve been itching to attend a birthday party, right? Three years ago, we packed the top of Darlington House. Two years ago, we flipcupped our way to oblivion at the former Adams Mill. Last year, we went on the road to AC. This time, you are all invited to come Tie One On with the Junk Food Guy.

We’re doing things a little differently this time. First, dress: guys and girls are asked to wear your favorite tie. NO, not semi-formal. Think Harry-Potter chic. Or a dress…with a tie. Or wear a normal sweater and strap a tie around that neck. Or wear one of those T-shirts with a tie printed on it. Be creative. Ties everywhere! Tie One On.

Second, charity. There will be handstamps for sale for $10. The handstamp gets you specials at the bar: $2 PBRs, $4 rails, and $5 house red/white wine. The best part? All the money spent on handstamps will be donated to two nonprofit orgs founded by WCL classmates:

Collective Action for Safe Spaces fights street harassment in America’s capital by empowering Washingtonians to speak out against gender-based public sexual harassment and assault

Mentoring Today serves youth both before & after they are released from incarceration to support their successful reintegration into their families & community

It’s all happening on the 2nd Floor of Mellow Mushroom in AdMo, thanks to another WCL alum.

So let’s come together, reunionize, and donate! Oh yeah, your friends, spouses, co-workers? Bring them too. I know it’s the holiday season and everyone’s busy – stop by for a little or for a lot.

Gifts, while nice, are completely unnecessary. This holiday season, come Tie One On for charity!

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So that’s it! Hope to see some of you Saturday!  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some birthday-ing to do (i.e. I need to get back to work. Booo.)

Thoughts? Please comment below (I always reply) or hit me up on Twitter @junkfoodguy or LIKE my Facebook Page and message me there. Also, you can always email me at junkfoodguy@junkfoodguy.com. Let’s hang out.

Sincerely,

Junk Food Guy