27

There are NO words to adequately express all that I felt on my birthday (and all week for that matter).

As you read (or didn't read) in my last post, I wasn't feeling so great about turning 27.  Life doesn't look AT ALL what I thought it would look like at 27.  I thought I would be working my dream job (whatever that is), married to a great man (know anyone?), living in a cute Craftsman Style home, with a baby on my hip and one on the way.  Ummmmm, I work multiple jobs (jobs that I love but still, multiple), I couldn't be more single, I live in the add on room behind my parents garage, and it would take immaculate conception to get me a baby.

Alas, my birthday has come and gone and I have to say, 27 isn't so bad after all... I actually kind of love it.

To start the celebrating (on Sunday night), I went to The Venetian (my favorite Italian place that happens to be in Point Loma) with Kim and Mama and Papa Harv.  I can't begin to express how important this family is to me.  My eyes are filling up with tears as I type this... there really are no words to express how much this family means to me.

Monday night, the SPU crew met at my favorite, Miguel's, for Pomegranate Margaritas, White Sauce, and their Birthday Mud Pie.  If you haven't been to Miguel's, then I question our friendship (unless of course you are reading this from afar and haven't had the joy of being in San Diego and being dragged there by me).  I love that after almost 9 years, weddings, jobs, continued education, and moving around, we are still friends and continue to do life together.

On the eve of my birthday, I celebrated with a trip to the gym for some TKB and Bodypump.  I figured I would end 26 the same way I started it, in the gym.  Nothing like a little me time.

Then came my actual birthday!  I woke up a little after midnight to use the restroom and my mom came barreling out of her room singing me happy birthday and shoving a card in my face.  Though I didn't necessarily express it at the time, I love that my mom did that.  She was the first person to wish me a Happy Birthday on the actual day.
 
Shortly after I woke up, my phone started to blow up from all of the phone calls, text messages, tweets, and facebook notifications and it didn't stop until after I went to sleep. I wore green, as I always do, in remembrance of our dear friend Ben who passed was 4 years ago on my birthday.  I am honored to share the 14th with such an unbelievable person.

Upon arriving to work, my desk was covered with gifts and the celebrating continued all day long.  Between the lovely presents, the hand made cards from the kids, Ally's shenanigans, and the kids telling me Happy Birthday over and over again... I was GLAD to be at work on my birthday.

In the afternoon, I received a text message from my step-dad (Clydey Poo-Poo) informing me that I have received a floral arrangement at the house.  There is something about getting flowers that makes this girl's heart melt a little bit.  I just love me some flowers.

To top that off, I also came home to a package from my Travel Partner and very dear friend in Colorado, Chelsea.  Since we aren't able to take a Tropical vacation this year, she sent me all the makings of a Tropical Vacation... sunscreen, sunglasses, nail polish, lip gloss, a mindless read (Snookie's book), a travel case, and some sweet treats.  Such a thoughtful gift from an amazing friend.  So thankful for that lady!

I started 27 the same way I began and finished 26... in the gym.  Here is a little secret about 24 Hour Fitness, when you check in on your birthday, a notice pops up on the screen so the person at the front desk tells you Happy Birthday.  Call me a sucker for some attention, but I kind of love it.

I had a session with Kyle (The Inappropriate Trainer, as Freighbor calls him) which always brings a smile to my face.  Don't get me wrong, I am generally cursing throughout the whole session due to pain and fatigue but I love every minute of it.  I would argue any of you with a trainer that my trainer is better than yours.  He is a hard ass with a kind heart.  Sweet Kyle gave me wine and flowers for my birthday.  See, my trainer is better than yours.  Told ya!

That evening, I had dinner with some of my most favorite women in San Diego.  Freighbor made this yummy stuffed chicken recipe that I have been wanting to try for a while now.  Katelynn made the most delicious White Sangria.  June made a tasty summer salad.  Sue made some of the best asparagus I have ever tasted.  Kathlene brought some treats courtesy of Jimmy Buffet.  To top it off, Freighbor made me a YUMMY chocolate angel food cake with strawberries.  Some of my favorite things, all in one meal.  The only thing better than the meal was the company. 

Each of the ladies that was at dinner has been an integral part of be becoming who I am at this stage in life.  These women are easy to be friends with.  These women are no drama.  These women are fun.  These women are caring.  These women are HUGE blessings in my life.

Then came presents...  Let me start by saying I am OUT OF CONTROL spoiled by my friends. 

To start it off, I had posted a wishlist a while back thinking that no one read it.  Well, I was wrong.  Apparently Kathlene stalks my blog (shout out to you, Kathlene) and she and her mom went in together to get me the clothes from Old Navy that I had been stalking online. EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE.  OUT OF CONTROL.

Then, came a present that I am still in complete and utter shock about.  A very dear friend of mine has known that I have been dreaming of the Rose Gold Michael Kors watch for over two years.  She also knows that I could never justify spending more than a car payment on a watch.  Well, she made the dream a reality.  I now have a big girl watch!  Unbelievable.

Freighbor prepared and hosted the yummy meal, gave me the most comfortable blanket known to man along with a song at my Karaoke party... which in itself is a BIG gift.

I got me some Skinny Girl Margarita, Gift Cards to spoil myself with, and so much more!

I must say, these presents were simply the icing on a very amazing cake.  The friendships that I have in these ladies and their presence in my life is present enough.  I went to bed with a smile on my face, a full heart, and tears in my eyes; I was completely and totally overwhelmed by all of the love that I felt on my Birthday.  Everyone should have a day like that!

The next day, at school, one of my sweet little ladies brought me some pretty flowers to brighten my office and a little treat for home.

Friday night, it was time to celebrate the way I do every year, with some Karaoke at the "Family Bar".  My cousin made me a beautiful and VERY tasty cake, Freighbor brought cupcakes from European Cake Gallery, and we enjoyed some bar food and strong beverages.  We got our sing on and I even debuted a new song.  It was a great night; I was again, surrounded by so many people that I love and who have been part of my story.
 

All in all, I had one of the best birthdays EVER.  Between the text messages, phone calls, facebook notifications, e-mails, flowers, packages in the mail, presents, and presence of my friends, I felt TOO blessed.  I am beyond thankful for what I have and am so honored to call these people friends. 

Cheers to 27.