Birthday Love

I survived another year of grading research papers and lived to see 30. Yippee! On my actual birthday, one of my students told me that 30 means I'm not young any more, that I'm officially old--to which I replied "You're only as old as you feel."  Truth be told, I've been looking forward to my thirties---fewer growing pains and more comfort. There's only been one strange moment of "30" settling in. Joe and I were jogging together and it hit me.  We are now both 30-somethings on a jog. Weird. In my mind I am still 23, just wiser and unable to metabolize alcohol quite as efficiently.

My birthday celebration was extra special.  Joe planned a surprise party for me, and though it didn't go off as smoothly as he planned, I was totally shocked when I walked into one of our favorite restaurants to find a table filled with friends and family.  It took a few minutes for it to sink in. I'm pretty sure my reaction wasn't the most video-reel-worthy because I tend to be undemonstrative.  My first reaction was overwhelming anxiety: Oh crap, all of these people are here for me?!  But, after a couple of glasses of bubbly, I was thoroughly enjoying myself.  I was so happy to have everyone there in one place.

One of the highlights of the night was Joe's present, and I say that because he'd actually kept it a secret. He's a terrible keeper of secrets, and for him to A) throw a surprise party and B) not give me my present early,  I know the weeks leading up to that day was pure torture. Joe put a lot of thought his gift, and I really love it. 3 words: little blue box.

Me dressed as one of the Golden Girls on my big night.

Cheers to 30! And thank you to all of my friends and family who made it memorable!