So I got to celebrate all week, which made it even better. I went to see my parents for a few days, because it was my last chance to visit before my mom's summer vacation ended. Monday night we just talked and caught up, talking about life and internships and everything else. Tuesday my dad had the day off for a doctor's appointment so the morning was quiet, and later in the day we went out for my birthday dinner, then had a great chocolate cake that Mom made for me. Wednesday Mom and I had a great day at Sea World, a place we go often but can never get bored of. We were supposed to meet a friend and her son, but he was being a grumpy 4 year old so it was just us. So we spent time on rides, at shows, shopping, and looking at cute baby animals. Sea World is a place where I am always content, combining my love for marine biology and amusement parks perfectly, and a mother-daughter day is always good for the soul. Unfortunately Thursday I had to return home so I could start refocusing on reality.
The birthday fun started Friday night, when I met up with my friend Stevie for drinks since she wasn't sure if she'd be free to go out on the actual day. We'd had hard-to-match schedules so it was good to catch up. Yesterday, of course, was the big day. I started out with a meeting- yes, a meeting on a Saturday. Grad Camp is next week, so us counselors had our last preparation day. I didn't mind being there (except for when my alarm went off), because I am excited about camp and really like the counselors. We talked, planned, practiced yells, and made nametags. Afterward six of us went to lunch and ended up spending two hours eating Middle Eastern food and getting to know each other. It was a great mix of cultures and personalities. Afterward I had some down time to get a pedicure, talk to my family, and rest up. The evening was my celebration time. I had invited friends to dinner, having no idea who was in town and could make it. I ended up having 12 friends show up (including baby Caitlin), and we had a great meal and conversation. It was also a nice surprise to see Robb one last time before he moved to Dallas. Afterward a smaller group of us went to a wine bar to have drinks and dessert. I risked a headache to eat chocolate cheesecake, and tried a wine called First Love (which, like many first loves, was just okay). Stevie and her boyfriend, who met salsa dancing, convinced me and a few others to go next door and try dancing (and help me find my salsa love). I enjoyed it more than I thought, did better than I thought, and may do it again. I only danced with Joed, a very patient and kind teacher, and the equally beginner-level Victor, but it wasn't a disaster, and the crowd seemed interesting. If I hadn't been tired and the loud music hadn't irritated my head I might have stayed a little longer.
So, birthday week #32 was a great week. Family and friends in abundance. Times have definitely changed- I only got two cards in the mail, but between Facebook messages, emails, e-cards, and texts, I probably got 100 greetings. Birthdays are a reminder of where you are in life and where you are going. I have learned that it's not important where I "should" be at this age, it's about whether I'm happy with where I am and where I'm going. And looking around at everyone that spent time with me this week, or sent me a message, I know I'm very blessed, and very happy. So here's to another year of life!
Love is friends, family, and baby sea lions :)
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