A Birthday of Champions

This past weekend was wonderful. From the second I finished class on Friday to the second I fell asleep on Sunday, I was happy. As I type it, that term seems small and insignificant. Being happy for a whole weekend shouldn't be that big of a deal. For me, it is. I was genuinely and purely happy for an entire weekend. There wasn't a moment where I felt anything less than bliss. This is thanks to a number of people but none more than my parents, my roommate, and my boyfriend. I may talk about it a lot but I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life.

This is the first entire weekend I have had off from work since the start of the semester. I was full of things yet so relaxing. Here's what I did:

Friday:

Went out to eat for Amelia's Birthday. It was great to celebrate her. We have grown so much closer this semester and I am really grateful for her friendship. During her dinner at Noodles and Company, Josie received a surprise. Natalie had been planning to surprise her and I helped make it happen. I am really glad it worked out. I enjoyed getting to know her and hanging out with her.

After dinner, we went to Panera Bread where Malcolm had his 3rd ever bagel and I had some delicious hot chocolate which chocolate chip marshmallows and salted caramel sauce drizzled on top. It was heaven in a cup. After Panera, we headed to Cold Stone.

When we returned to Govs, I met Ali and Michelle to start our "Date Night with Jesus". The girls in our study made brownies and pumpkin muffins together. It was a great time of bonding and relaxation. After we baked, we headed upstairs to have a slumber party without the slumber (paint nails, watch movies, etc.)

I didn't join immediately because Andrew was with the FFA at the plaza for a conference. Malcolm and I went to hang out with him for a while and it was a blast. We watched Despicable Me for a short while, played some Uno, spoke a little Spanish and played Corn Hole. Ali (Andrew's girlfriend) and I played against Andrew and Malcolm. Ali and I won, naturally. It was Malcolm's first time playing and it was fun to watch. It was good to hang out with Andrew doing something besides sitting at home.

When I got back, I joined the girls in Ali and Michelle's room to eat our treats and watch a little "Definitely Maybe". Unfortunately, I had to leave early in order to work my overnight.

I headed down to the front desk to start my midnight to 6 shift. It went really well and I was really productive. I finished my Spanish paper, got halfway done with Psychology paper, wrote thank you notes, created my secret Jesus gift, and caught up on some other odds and ends. Malcolm stayed up with me the entire time (What an angel). We played a couple of really fun games that helped pass the time. We did some Wiki races, which I frustratingly should have won all of them but only won 1 out of 3. GRRRR. But it was really fun. We also played a game where we had to try and say the same word. The night was filled with many laughs and great memories.

Saturday:

Finally, at 6, I headed to bed. The weather cooperated and was gloomy and dark. I was able to sleep for 7 hours and since I didn't have anything to do until the night, I was able to lounge around in bed for the entire afternoon. It was lovely. I found myself thinking, "I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now and live in it forever". Malcolm and I finally got up around 4 and went to the cafe for breakfast. We came back and played some video games before we went out to eat for my birthday.

Josie picked out my outfit for dinner and she did my make up (So obviously I looked good :P)
11 people were able to come out to eat with me. We went to Famous Daves and I had a wonderful time. I think I spent most of it laughing rather than eating.

After dinner, a group of us played bowls in my room. Following bowls, we played truth or dare like we were 13 again. It was so much fun just to relax and hang out with my friends. In the middle of the games, Malcolm walked in the room with a birthday balloon and flowers in his hand.

Later that night, we played resistance some in the basement.

Sunday:

We woke up a little before 11 so we could head to the Nucleus. There was a wait at the Nucleus so we sat on the couches, sipped hot chocolate, and chatted. We ended up having a wonderful breakfast. Afterwards, we headed back to Govs and Josie and I watched the Season Finale of Orange is the New Black. It was sad to have the season be over but I'm glad I was able to spend part of my day hanging out with Josie and watch it.

My parents showed up at 4:30. My mom outdid herself, once again, with my favorite cake, cookies, and a pan of goodies for Josie. She also had a stack of professionally wrapped presents. We ate cake, watched some of the Packer game and hung out before my GLACURH meeting. Andrew got me a Spanish Dirty Dictionary and a daily calendar both to use in Uruguay. It was really sweet of him and I appreciated his thoughtfulness. My mom gifted me the ring that matches hers. She said I can wear it abroad and she will wear hers and we will be connected that way. Again, it was really thoughtful and sweet. I am happy that I will have this connections to home when I am abroad.

Mom came to my GLACURH Meeting with me which I think she really enjoyed. I'm not good at sharing my life with her verbally, so I think she appreciated being able to see it and be a part of it physically.

After the meeting, we went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse. It was delicious. I had so much good food this weekend, I never want to go to the cafe again. My parents left shortly after dinner and the weekend was basically over. Except, Malcolm had one last gift for me. He first presented me with a heartfelt letter and song lyrics. Then she showed me the video he made. He had asked for and complied videos from some of the most important people in my life. It was one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me.

Overall, this was the best birthday I have ever had. Thank you to everyone who had a part in making it so special.