My friends and family are just the best! Thursday was my 21^st birthday and these two groups of people really gave it their A-game. Although I had class all day long- four classes starting at 9:30am and ending at 7:15pm- it was actually a very pleasant day because of how awesome the people I love are!

My parents sent me a package that arrived on Wednesday- which I did not open because I really love surprises and wanted to save as many as possible for my bday. So, pretty much as soon as I opened my eyes Thursday morning, I started ripping the box open. My parents got me some of my favorite things: figs and jewelry. I realize that, to a normal person, this may seem like an odd combination, but to me it was superb. (Dried figs for breakfast are the best!!) Not only did they get me regular sized Turkish figs, they also included a package of “figlets,” which are cute little mini figs. But the real show stopper in their gift box was the jewelry part- they got me an Alex & Ani bracelet! It’s the compass charm and super pretty and simple (just the way I like my jewelry). So this highly anticipated gift box surely did not disappoint and kicked my birthday off in a great way.

Then, when I stepped out the door for my first class, this was what greeted me….

My wonderful roommate and fantastic dormmate, Brittany and Kaitlyn, jazzed up my door with birthday joy! It put a great big smile on my face.

Then, throughout the day, my bffl Emma, my cousin Kelly, my sister Hilary, my brother Matthew, and a few of my most excellent friends from home sent me birthday wishes via text and phone calls. So that contributed to my great mood, knowing that the people I care about were thinking of me.

Then when I had a break in classes, Brittany and Kaitlyn presented me with more presents! They gave me various chocolates, a fresh supply of my favorite Shawn White gum (I happen to love anything Shawn White), and the pièce de résistance……

This fancy hand decorated happy birthday wine glass! (Brittany is a grade-A crafter!) It’s really adorable.

Then I had ds106 where we video chatted with Doctor Campbell, which was really interesting, energizing, and actually pretty inspiring. (See previous post for more on that.) So that was cool.

After class Brittany, Kaitlyn, and one of my other best friends, Caitlin, all went out to dinner. We went down town to JW Sullivan’s. It was the first time I had been there and their food was really good! I got seared a Ahi tuna salad with citrus dressing- which hit the sport just right! Also, I ordered my first drink!! (Please don’t judge me when you hear what I chose.) A sea breeze. (Stop laughing!) It was yummy and went perfectly with my citrusy tropical salad.

After we ate dinner Caitlin gave me more presents to open! She got me a very cute and colorful martini glass and little tea cup measuring cups (which combines two of my favorite activities- baking and drinking tea). Both presents were adorable and thoughtful and I loved them very much!

And then our very nice waitress brought over this nasty looking beverage in honor of my birthday.

When I asked her what is was she said it was an “astro bomb,” and when I asked what that was she didn’t really have an answer. But I gathered from its color that is was radiator fluid mixed with Windex. So I just let it languish on the table without drinking it. Oppsies! Sorry bartender, it just wasn’t my thing.

Finally to seal the night off right, we went to get some dessert. Although SweetFrog was my first choice, and Sonic my second, they were both closed so we went to the only place open at the time. Steak & Shake. Their shakes were good, but the ambiance was lacking. I’m not sure that we will be going there again any time soon. But it did provide a whole lot of laughs!

So in sum, I had a super fantastic birthday filled with love and best wishes from the people that I love the most- what could be better?! Thanks friends and family for making it a special day! XOXOXO