Birfdays.. yes, Birfdays

If you walk down the aisle of a Hallmark store, do you know how many birthday cards you can find? How about all of the gift bags, tissue paper, tape, ribbons, etc?

How about when you are out in a restaurant and hear the birthday song being sung? Does it bring back memories for you of times growing up?

This weekend, I celebrated two of my friends' birthdays. We had an excellent time. As I have reflected over the time we spent together, I am reminded of many birthday memories.

I remember when I was 8 years old, my grandmother had a princess cake make for me. It was 3-D and I loved it. I took pictures of it, beside it, well you get my point. I didn't even want to eat it. That cake was one of my favorites. I loved it.

I remember when I turned 13, I dyed my hair and surprised my parents. Oh.. boy were they upset. However, I loved the new shade of blond. I just kept saying...at least it isn't blue or something.

I remember when I turned 16, I had a limo come to my house and pick up 6 friends and me. We went to a fancy dinner, then around to look at the tacky light tour (hey..its a big thing in Richmond).

I remember when I turned 17, it was the year I graduated from High School. A group of my friends took me out for my birthday and then to a party. We had a great time.

How about the milestone of 21. Of course there was a party with friends, but what sticks out to me more is the time with my mom. Funny story is that my mom and her friends wanted to take me out for my birthday. We went to a local Mexican Restaurant and had some drinks. Funny thing was, I stopped and my mom and her friends didn't. I ended up having to drive them all home (isn't there something wrong with that picture?)

On my 24th birthday, I was extremely sick. Two weeks after my birthday, I was in the hospital. I remember my family taking me out to eat for the evening and I couldn't eat. They were so worried about me and had no clue what was wrong. I tried to suck it up and smile.. but it didn't work, they knew I was in pain and really didn't want to be out.


Birthday memories. Since I spent the weekend celebrating with two close friends, I had time to think about how special birthdays have always been. One of the birthday girls chose to come and visit from Puerto Rico for her 21st birthday. The other friend turned 22 today.

We went out together on Friday night to a club/bar. I really felt like I was getting too old for this, but the girls made me feel young again. We had a great time out on the town. I drove them home, and we got back after 4am. On Saturday, I got to sleep in and then I made a cake for the girls. (I love cake, did I mention that?) Eleven of us went out to a local hibachi grill to celebrate their special days. We had a wonderful time and then returned to my apartment with everyone for cake. The conversation was great, the living room was filled with laughter. Once everyone left, I sat in my room with my two friends, and we relaxed. We had some true girl talk. We laughed together, we cried together, we hugged, we laughed again. Then we watched The Notebook. Well, we cried again.

Today brought a special 22nd birthday for one of my closest friends, but it also brought tears. We had to take our friend to the airport this morning for her to return to Puerto Rico. As we did, the crying happened, the goodbyes happened, and we realized this is a part of life. We are constantly having to tell people goodbye. After leaving the airport, we did a little shopping (you know one of my favorite things to do) and then returned back to the Creek. I cooked tonight (mashed potatoes from scratch)...and we had a good time eating, and talking afterwards.

Birthdays have always been important memories and milestones in my life. I am thankful to have been reminded this weekend of my milestones, the many celebrations I've had with friends and family, and I'm thankful to be alive.

My next milestone is in 2 months and 3 days.. and I will be half of 50. That means I am closer to 30... closer to needing to settle down in life...closer to graduating. There were times when I never thought I would make it this far. But as I think about it, I am so glad to have made it to where I am, and look forward to celebrating many more milestones, surrounded by the people I love.