Day 40: My Birthday

Today is my birthday.  Traditionally on a birthday when I don't have to work, such as today, Emily takes me somewhere for lunch.  Usually I choose Costco so I can get a hot dog (this is the only day of the year Emily does not give me a hard time for this choice, so I take full advantage).  

Hornacek performing his classic,
signature move by brushing
his right cheek immediately
before shooting a free throw.

This tradition started about 14 years ago, when Emily and I were dating.  She offered to take me to lunch "somewhere fancy," and I chose Costco.  At that time, Costco's food court looked exactly like it does now, only the window was outside instead of inside (moving it inside was a huge upgrade for regulars like me who didn't like having to eat a hot dog in 30 degree weather during the winter).  Emily was not happy about my choice, but I thought it would be great to get a hot dog, Coke, and churro (yes, the fact that for 14 years this was considered an ideal "meal" is a main reason why I am now on a diet).

So, reluctantly, Emily took me to Costco and what a day it was.  Right after we pulled up and got into line, who should walk up next to me with his daughter?  Jeff Hornacek, commonly referred to by Utah Jazz fans as "Horney" (I know, I don't really like it either, but that is what they call him).  The two-time three-point shooting champion, once traded for the infamous Charles Barkley (along with a few other guys), and Utah Jazz shooting guard extraordinaire.  His jersey, number 14 (which happens to be my favorite number) was retired by the Jazz a few years ago, and his only error in judgment was recently interviewing for the head coach position with the Chicago Bulls, which is almost inexcusable after the Jazz's heartbreaking losses to the Bulls (or should I say Michael Jordan, since he was pretty much the only real player on that team, and don't give me the "Scottie Pippen was pretty good too" line) in 1997 and 1998 World Championships.

Anyway, Horny was great.  He was down to earth, kind, the type of person who would buy movie tickets for the family behind him in line, just to be nice....Seriously, I can still hear old Hot Rod Hundley screaming during a play-off game "Horny for three......its good!"  Horney never missed those three points, especially when a win was on the line.

It was a great birthday present just to see Horny up close, but you know what was even better?  What he ordered:  a hot dog, Coke and churro.  That is right folks, you can play in the National Basketball Association and eat a hot dog, and frankly (no pun intended), that gives me hope.