They say it's your birthday...

This week I've learned that it's okay to be 26. I always thought I'd struggle with this birthday, just because it would put me closer to 30 than to 20, but I'm happy to be at the place I've arrived. I was inundated with phone calls, texts, and Facebook shoutouts, enough to please any girl. I had a "party" (in the loosest sense of the word) with some of my dear friends, and came to realize how good life is. I didn't expect any presents - I have enough stuff, I just wanted to spend time with people I love. This really is the first time I felt this way (although I am planning on getting a new laptop before the end of the month with my "earnings"), and I'm happy to say, this is the best birthday I've had in years.

Without divulging the dirty details, the last few years have been rough, as far as birthdays go. I'm a big believer that birthdays are a big deal. When people don't go above and beyond for mine, I'm always a little (or a lot) disappointed. THIS year, I lowered my expectations (so to speak) and was rewarded richly. THANK YOU to all of you who helped to make my birthday so special this year!

I got home from the Jonas Brothers concert on Tuesday and found a lovely surprise, courtesy of Breanna, sitting on my kitchen counter. She hand-dipped strawberries in chocolate (one of my favorite treats) and added words of wisdom in the form of a book: It's Called a Break Up Because It's Broken.

Yesterday I started fielding text messages around 7:30am, I think the best being "Happy birthday to my most beautiful firstborn." After work I went for a run, and then Ash took me to dinner at Mimi's (where i schmoozed my old manager for a free brownie). Afterwards, I had a "party" with my peeps - an exclusive by-invitation "party." We had marvelous cake (*pats herself on the back*), lively conversation and boisterous laughs. It was exactly what I needed and the perfect way to celebrate.

Tonight after work, Nick picked me up and took me to Chili's (I had a mad chips and salsa craving) for a birthday dinner. I'm glad Nick was unable to come to my "party" last night because it meant I got some one-on-one time with my best friend. I met Nick when I was barely 20 years old, and just prior to the conclusion of my first engagement. Unbeknown to me at the time, this would become one of the most significant relationships of my life. SO, when Nick called and asked to take me to dinner, I responded with an unmistakable "yes." We have a fantastic friendship and I count myself lucky to know him!

If getting older means having one week like this per year, I'll take all the years I can get! Happy birthday to me!