New Kicks at 26

Another fulfilling year down with an an equally eventful one to come, I'm sure. I'm 26 years old. While there is nothing specifically exciting about this age it was, by far, the best birthday I've had in quite a while. The past 7 b-days were spent studying for or taking final exams with a little celebration dinner on the side. This year was very different. I actually felt like I was celebrating!

My gifts: Well, I've already mentioned my trip to Colorado (which takes place this weekend, yay!) from my family. I also got a new Fossil watch from my dad, a box sent from Wine Country (filled with wine, cheese, crackers, & lots of other goodies) from my sis, some salad plates & coffee cups to go with my dish collection from Laura & Josh, some flowers from them as well (which I managed to kill in a day & a half because I forgot to put water in the vase -that tells ya how often I get flowers, lol), some new running shoes and an outfit from myself, dinner & a gift card from my supervisor Stacie -adding to the $55 worth of existing gift cards to my favorite place on earth, Starbucks! :) People know me oh so well. I also got $25 to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory where I bought the best caramel apples in the world. This was from the Lovejoys whom I love dearly. I shared the apples with my friends, & Arnie got some special treats from there too, of course.

Now for the best gift: MY FAMILY!!!!!!!

As I mentioned in my last post, my sister & cousin with their boyfriends flew down to Orlando for the weekend to celebrate with me. I pulled up to the airport, got out & gave them the biggest hugs, & popped the trunk of my car. As I helped load their bags, my sister said, "there's one more behind you." I turned right around, & there was my aunt Jeanetta standing right there with open arms. Needless to say, I was a big ball of tears. I don't know how they pulled it off because nobody in my family can keep secrets from one another, but they managed to successfully surprise me. I couldn't have been happier (well, maybe a little had I seen my daddy too). We had a 3-bedroom suite for the night, so nobody had to sleep on the couch! :) Josh & Laura drove down, and our friend Chris from home who now lives in Orlando met us out later that night. The 9 of us had a fun and memorable time. I thank God everyday for these people. How lucky am I!?!?

Cheers to another year of living life to the fullest!