I'm THIRTY

On Friday I celebrated my THIRTIETH birthday. A few months ago I was dreading turning the big 3-0, but after a while, I realized that turning THIRTY is what you make of it. The birthday comes whether you stay in bed in a pair of sweat pants, or get all dolled up and celebrate with family and friends. And I decided to choose the latter!

The day started with presents and breakfast from my family and a phone call from Tammy. I had talked to my Mom and Jenny on the phone the night before and gotten all my birthday cards in the mail. I LOVE getting mail. Joel and Kezia given me a great top and skirt for me to wear. Asha got me a pair of yoga pants, though, sadly I haven't done yoga in years, but hey, I have the pants now! Carl made pancakes and our neighbour Megan brought over delicious banana muffins. My present from Carl will come later because I'll purchase it once we move and get settled (no point in packing more!)

After breakfast I went to the cosmetology school and got a facial and pedicure. It was heavenly! I slept during my entire facial, the most relaxation I've had in ages. After I got home, it was already mid afternoon. I spent time on the phone with Shana, Rhonda, and Judy and straightened my hair. I thought it would be kind of fun to do something different with it for the day, since I'm THIRTY now!

For supper, we all were doing out as a family to Tahoe Joe's. It's a neat steakhouse that was recommended by Ray and Kelly. Well, when we got there, I was surprised to see Kevin and Rhonda and three of their kids. SURPRISE! It wasn't just our family for supper. And then Ray and Kelly showed up too. DOUBLE SURPRISE! What a great time we had. It was pretty special to celebrate my birthday with our friends.

Afterwards we headed back to Kevin and Rhonda's, we all put our kids to bed and then played Bohnanza. It's been months since we've been able to play games, I think the last time was mid-Februrary. After the game, it was 11:00, but we still weren't done; we put on a Brian Regan video. He is the most hilarious comedian I have ever seen. Kevin made frapuccinos and we all laughed until we just about puked. It was awesome. I went home that night, thankful for the special day orchestrated by my wonderful husband.

The next day, I took Joel to baseball in the morning. At 1:00 Carl hosted a courtyard birthday party. We had all our neighbours come and have cake and drinks with us. I think I was just tickled pink to go to a party that I didn't have to do anything for. Carl got the cake, set out the dishes, put up balloons, made the juice. What a guy!

So turning THIRTY isn't that bad at all. THIRTY year old women aren't frumpy, haggard by kids, sweat pant wearers. But they are strong women who can multi-task, raise a family, play dress up, have a great husband, make cards and watch t.v. and go to school, be challenged by others, laugh and drink with friends, eat cake for lunch and supper, and still have time to go for a pedicure to feel pampered. I must say, if this is what my THIRTIES are all about, then I'm really looking forward to them. Thanks Carl for making me feel special.