Not much has changed since my 11th birthday. 15 years ago today, when given the opportunity to choose whatever restaurant I wanted for my big night out, I picked a fancy little buffet place known as Sizzler. Although tonight’s selection- The Melting Pot- was a HUGE step up, it does not mean that I have gotten any closer to managing my food intake in a responsible manner. On the big 11, I ate too much and cried the whole way home, head hanging out the window as I waited to puke up my entire meal. Tonight, as I stumbled to the car in a food comma, I realized that even though we may age, it doesn’t always mean we become wiser.
Not many people would come home, after a great night like I just had, and choose to shamelessly write about their own birthday, on their own blog, while nausea and tired. I think it must be a very strong sign that when I’m the most happy, I chose to express the emotion through writing. It’s just who I am.
I will also admit– birthdays are a big deal to me. Anyone who says they don’t care about their own birthday is lying- we all love the attention. If it were up to me, I’d make others celebrate my life ALL MONTH LONG. (thankfully, I have a husband, friends and family who humor me and rise up to the challenge every year).
My b-day week kicked off on Saturday night with a lovely Friesen/Miller family birthday singalong after the LaBarbera wedding. (Thank you dear family!) Then, I got home to a perfectly pink banner which from my fellow Febrarian, Sarah Hajizadeh which reads, “Why Celebrate for One Day When You Can Celebrate All Month Long?” I made Jonathan get up on a chair at midnight to hang it, before realizing our neighbors may not like the heavy hammering. For anyone who is concerned, the banner will remain up until March 1st, at the earliest.
Last night, I got treated to the best girls’ night out– Peach, Sharon, Erica, Camille, Kara, Bethie and Rachel surprised me at 58 and Holding, a downtown wine bar that I’ve wanted to try FOREVER. We pretended to act like adults until the inappropriate poop talk started and I resigned to the fact that I may always act like I’m 11. The girls gave me a beautiful journal and spent time encouraging me to write, which is the gift I am most thankful for this birthday. Honest, real and encouraging friends are slim and hard to find. Never did I think I might find terrific friends after college, but God has proven me wrong. I felt very, very loved…and inspired.
And then, today! My big 26. I’m now closer to 30 than 20. I’m now the very same age my father was when I was born. Weird. The day was lovely- filled with tulips, Bono and Barbie banners, crowns and a Chevy’s hat, ice cream, cupcakes and fondue (thank you Amie and Do-Daddy!) I highly recommend seeing U2 in 3D…we caught the film before dinner and it is A-MAZING. I could seriously see Bono’s teeth (they’re beautifully straight) and I couldn’t help but bounce in my seat the entire time! I’m pretty sure Jonathan and I fell in love at the LA concert in 2001 (days after 9/11…it was very emotional). So, needless to say, U2 holds a special place in my heart. Someday I will be that girl in the crowd, on Jonathan’s shoulders, asking Bono to pick me and pull me up on stage. You wait.
I’d like to sign off and go to bed now, but I’m honestly way too full to retire at this moment. So, thanks for hanging in as I brag about my fabulous day, and more importantly I want to say a big thank you and I love you to all of those people who made it so incredibly special.
Not much has changed since my 11th birthday. 15 years ago today, when given the opportunity to choose whatever restaurant I wanted for my big night out, I picked a fancy little buffet place known as Sizzler. Although tonight’s selection- The Melting Pot- was a HUGE step up, it does not mean that I have gotten any closer to managing my food intake in a responsible manner. On the big 11, I ate too much and cried the whole way home, head hanging out the window as I waited to puke up my entire meal. Tonight, as I stumbled to the car in a food comma, I realized that even though we may age, it doesn’t always mean we become wiser.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Awwww… birthdays! So special! Wish we could have been close enough to celebrate.
February 12 was a special day in your mom and dad’s life as well. Here is an excerpt in your baby book that I read yesterday, while reminiscing about the past. It was written on your first birthday.
…”Already a year has passed since that beautiful day of your birth, which brought so much joy into my life. It’s hard to believe – it seems like yesterday that we bundled you up and brought you home; so thrilled you were here at last. From the very second of your birth you have brought me nothing but the most dear moments and fondest memories of my lifetime. I will cherish always, February 12, 6:45AM, as that morning when a precious little girl entered your daddy’s and my life. We thought we had created a miracle ~ and we had in fact done just that! I cried at the sight of you- the moment being so special there weren’t any words to describe my feelings. Lesley, you were brought into this world because your fther and I deeply love each other, just as we will always love. You are my little angel, my most precious gift, my valentine for life.. With love, Mommy.
Now don’t get too cocky – believe it or not, we feel the same way about Scott and Allison, and they have letters as well.
Not that I EVER read astrological forecasts, but I find it interesting that I cut out your “If your child is born today” excerpt from the LA Times and included it in the baby book as well. Here’s what it reads:
…He or she must be taught to handle difficult problems intelligently, and then the life becomes a successful one. A fine college education is needed here. Show the importance of religion and ethics early in life.” Hmmmm – Could be said for anyone, but I like it.
Dad’s forecast that day: You can now expect pleasure coming in your way, so be on the alert for the enjoyment you have missed in the past.
Mine was: Going off on a fun spree could be disappointing and expensive, so be more devoted to the tasks at hand for best results.”
Very funny – I wonder if I paid attention to those (?) Don’t think so. Glad to hear you had a nice day. I love you, Mom
p.s. Have written down my password for this blog so I can be blog hip, and still have to re-apply every time I post a comment. Sheesh!
1- You looked hot in your birthday outfit.
2- I’ve always wanted to go to the Melting Pot! I’ve heard amazing things about their desserts. I’m jealous and wish I could have been there.
3- Another reason I love you so much is because you also eat until you are sick. When will we learn?
4- Sizzler- fabulous choice.
5- Can always count on Hachu (sp?) to pull through with something pink- I’ll never forget those crazy boas at your shower.
6- Closer to 30??? I hope we still have to pretend to be adults we’re closer to 40.
7- Poop talk- classic dinner conversation material.
8- Your shout out is coming on my “February 12″ entry. I cheat and start a blog but then don’t finish it for days. I’m glad my message didn’t get erased.
9- I love how you love birthdays and make them special for others as well- remember singing “God Bless America” in Buca di Beppos? Surreal.
10- Happy Birthday!!!!
hey don’t knock sizzler
happy birthday!!
happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear lesleyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, happy birthday to you! you really do inspire me around this time of year – your shameless love for this entire month is so endearing. so glad you love the banner…except now katie hardeman just gave me a complex about why i use so much pink to tell u i love u. the picture of you holding the banner is my current desktop, fyi.
on a more serious note, the letter your mom wrote to you on your first birthday is so beautiful. you really are a miracle to your friends and family, and that’s why we “humor you” around this time of year. here’s to another fabulous year in sacramento.
thanks for turning 26 so we can be old together! i have something for your writing journal but of course i didn’t send it in time. if I mail it to you will you glue it in? Love you Les!
thanks for turning 26 so we can be old together! i have something for your writing journal but of course i didn’t send it in time. if I mail it to you will you glue it in? Love you Les!
I loved your birthday blog! I hope it was as fantastic as it sounds! Can we start a blog post where we can vote on whether your mom should have her own blog? I love the notes she writes on yours. Ann??