I woke this morning and realized something. The older I become, the more I hate celebrating birthday's. Today is my birthday and I really don't feel like celebrating. Maybe it's because my responsibilities have grown since graduating college that today has just become another day for me. Maybe it's just the process of becoming older and loving to celebrate other achievements. Either way, today is my birthday and I don't really care.

There was one gift though that I will celebrate. Cal's victory over UCLA last night and the huge game Jorge had. Let Avi recap the rest.

Apparently, Jorge Gutierrez was angry about being snubbed for tonight's NBA All-Star Game. He sure played like he belonged to be there.

He split double-teams and traps, taking it to the hole with impunity against bewildered UCLA Bruins defenders. He faked a drive, stopped, and spun back 180 degrees for a fade away swish. He knocked in almost all his free throws. He dished underneath to Markhuri Sanders-Frison and Harper Kamp for some big lay-ins. He ripped the ball right out of the grasp of Tyler Honeycutt, got knocked off balance by Reeves Nelson, and STILL drove through two defenders for a game-tying layup in overtime. Then he drove right and spun up another layup running away from the basket for the lead. Then another layup. He fouled out Josh Smith. He crossed up UCLA's defense on the final play to dish to Brandon Smith for the wide-open game winning three. He got injured so many times, sources I've never met confirmed the Department of Defense secretly handed Jorge a Purple Heart after tonight's game. 34 points, plus big free throws and assists and rebounds and who cares what the numbers are? Stats can't define a performance like that.

Greatest birthday gift ever!

Of course we can't fully celebrate that accomplishment without one picture of fans storming the floor.

(Image via Mock Session)

Celebrate the small things in life is my new motto. I'll take a Cal victory over UCLA over any birthday gift I receive this year.