A Thankful Perspective
In case you didn’t notice, there were several ads in the paper two weeks ago in my honor. No, I didn’t do anything heroic, but I did celebrate a milestone birthday.
From what I’ve been told 30 is where you figure out who you are, and you are happy with that person. Typically you get set in a career and enjoy starting or continuing a family. I am looking forward to all of that or none, which ever the outcome may be.
I began last year planning a “girls” trip to Las Vegas to celebrate this particular birthday. For logical reasons such as a new job and a seven day cruise the first week of October, I decided that it just wasn’t feasible to go all that way for just a day or two.
Initially I wanted to “get away” for my birthday—just to do something that I wouldn’t do normally do, and so that my family and friends wouldn’t make a fuss over it.
I ended up not getting out of town and actually worked the Friday night before. I took off Saturday with the intention of heading to the beach or just to watch my beloved Dawgs in their first match-up against Clemson. I ended up sleeping most of the day Saturday and watched the game in good company with Aunt Jenny, J.B. and Amanda.
It was the usual camaraderie among us early but in the later hours and with the Dawgs losing the night ended in a lull and I went home.
Sunday was uneventful initially as I spent some time with good friends and relaxed. That was when my week got started. As Monday was Labor Day, a holiday in this country, the Nascar race that you’ve read about here before is in Atlanta that weekend. A friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to go—in a five minute spur of the moment “let’s go,” she and I headed to Atlanta Motor Speedway to watch the people. I mean the race. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed some perks that came with our cheap tickets. We spent time with good friends and came home late Sunday night/Monday morning.
I took Monday to catch up on some work and rest. I got my first surprise from Jenny and Elizabeth that night, a cake that looked like the beach. It was delicious. Then Mama and Stepdaddy took me to Olive Garden for a birthday dinner.
Tuesday
Tuesday, the actual day of my birthday, I awoke to my second surprise. I had balloons all over my car before I left for work. I want to thank Elizabeth and Trevor for those. They were awesome.
I worked all day and Kathy gave me the night off at The News. I did get a special treat, when Kathy, Jenny, J.B. and Ted all came to Jackson and took me to lunch. I had a full day with a beautiful delivery of flowers and surprise flowers and balloons when I got home.
There had been birthday wishes all day with phone calls and messages and Facebook notes—all day! I got a little bit overwhelmed with all of the wishes in the afternoon, and felt like I was the luckiest lady to be blessed with so many people that cared enough to take a minute out of their day to wish me a ‘happy birthday.’
Tuesday night I got together with Kenna, “my bestie” and had a laid back dinner and laughed and caught up.
I expected that to be it—with the exception of a home-cooked meal from my Mama. Little did I know my celebration continued.
Wednesday night, another best friend and my God children took myself and Summer (my mentee) to dinner. We laughed and celebrated, and we all had a good time.
Thursday, my sister Emily went above and beyond and treated me to sushi (our fav!), a beautiful Georgia Bulldogs card and earrings for the big game Saturday. She paid the tab and we had such a good time together.
Friday night I worked—we were slammed and I made good money. A regular that I adore even gave me a present—and more so a compliment that will last a lifetime.
Saturday
Saturday—oh Saturday. I was planning on seeing my other best friend and former neighbor Lauren for the day. I slept in some and forgot all about Treuana’s (Kenna’s daughter’s) birthday. So to Stevie B’s I went to help surprise her. We enjoyed good food and fellowship and cake and then Kenna took me out for a drink. We went to a place that I used to work and there were regulars who continued to buy me drinks. I objected to leaving and Kenna was insistent so after much resistance from me, we left.
When we got close to my Mom’s, she pulled in and to my complete surprise there were 50+ of my friends and family there to surprise me. Including Lauren, my sister, aunt, cousins, and three dear friends from out of town. They all knew—and I didn’t have a clue. It was in that moment that I had to stop and thank God for these people. They all took time to celebrate me—and I’m sure not nearly as deserving as I felt Saturday.
We had a fun filled afternoon watching the Dawgs win, munching on Stepdaddy’s awesome food, and socializing. I even got a money tree, because my mom had arranged for me to be off of work that night.
I tried to thank everyone for everything (my week+ long celebration) but just in case I forgot someone, here goes.
I want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate. Elizabeth thank you for getting everyone there. Kenna and Lauren thanks for getting me there! Thanks Sean for the Macon people and for loving me…and for bringing Amber. Jenny—you are the party queen and it was wonderful (as well as both of my cakes).
Mama, thank you for loving me. For making a fuss over my 30th and for everything you’ve done and been to me for so long. I love you and will never be able to show you how much I appreciate you!
So all in all, it was a wonderful 30th birthday. And I know that if 30 continues to be as fabulous as it has begun—I’m in for some blessed, successful, supportive and exciting years.