I'd take Friday the 13th before Feb. 9th ANY day.

Today is Friday the 13th…the supposed ultimate in unlucky days. Popularly believed to be the day of the week that Jesus was crucified, Friday the 13th is a day that is dreaded across North America, Western Europe, and Australia. It’s not, however, a day I dread. That day is February 9th.

For a period of eight years beginning in 1989, anything that could go wrong within my life did go wrong…on February 9th. My current relationship would end, my girlfriend would tell me that she’s pregnant, I’d get into a huge argument with a close friend, I’d get a flat tire or a speeding ticket or whatever. There was one year where I was in an almost never-ending series of bad situations that could all be traced back to a decision I made on February 9th.

Why this day? I have no idea. It’s nine days after my birthday (and my parents’ anniversary). It’s six days before Valentine’s Day. It’s just a non-descript day that no one would give two shakes about usually…but I damn sure do. Scoot and I would watch me throughout that day with an almost excited — and yet terrified — eye.

This year marked the 10th year in a row where nothing substantial went down. I remember the first February 9th where nothing went wrong. And how did I end that day? Watching the clock until it clicked over to midnight. I remember waking up on the morning of the 10th and waiting to hear the phone with some disaster that befell someone close to me on the previous day. Nope, didn’t happen.

So bring on Friday the 13th! As long as it’s not February 9th, it’s a-okay with me.