Celebrations started quite early. At least much earlier than usual. Some celebrate the week or even the entire month of their birth. I've never really had that privilege. This year came close. I decided to go home for my birthday this year. Yes, I was home just a few weeks ago, but I didn't have time to run to the DMV then, and my drivers license expired yesterday... so I kind of had to go this weekend also. This meant I wasn't going to be in Provo to celebrate with all my friends. Sad day. Nate asked me if we could have dinner for my birthday on Thursday before I left. He still hadn't used his service auction winnings of a free steak dinner with the Reeses (Bro. Reese is in the bishopric). So I was invited to escort him and it was delicious. He even brought me flowers. Very sweet, right?
Friday I was driving home and another friend from the ward asked me to lunch before I left. So we went to Red Robin... again, very good. And then I headed home. I made really good time this go around. Only 5 1/4 hours!
Early Saturday morning I woke up to run to the DMV. And by early, I mean I woke up at 6:30 and left by 7:15 because the DMV opens at 8. When I arrived at 7:30 there was already a line of, I'm guessing, 120+ people. Crazy Vegas people. Luckily the DMV decided to open its doors early and we got a good head start. Since when does anything government operated EVER open early or make things convenient? I think they knew it was my birthday. And aside from the lady taking my picture yelling at me to lower my chin more (because I wanted to avoid the triple chin look), the experience was quite pleasant. Strange word to describe the DMV, I know, but it's true. It only took a little over an hour, I didn't have to take any tests, I had all my paperwork prepared beforehand, and the last guy I worked with was hysterical. I was there an extra 15 minutes just talking to him because he was so funny! Yeah, we were also talking about the mean picture lady. I'm sure when I get my license I will look petrified in the picture. Oh well. I left smiling, and very amused at the snack bar in the DMV (another interesting feature, I think), with everyone in the snack bar line looking at me like I was insane for enjoying my experience. They were obviously less pleased than myself.
Upon returning home, my mom and I went to hand out more "Missing Cat" flyers. She is quite distressed about our missing Bentley. She ran away almost two weeks ago and there has been no sign of her.
As part of my birthday gift, my mom treated me to a pedicure. This is something we like to do together, but there was only one opening, so she let me take it. And it was with the lady my mom always gets because she likes her so much. Toward the end of my pedicure, a 60 year old man, it also being his birthday, come in for a pedicure. We start talking (because I do that sometimes) and as he came to sit in the chair next to me, walks over to give me a birthday kiss. Special. Fortunately, I'm no stranger to strangers kissing me. I did date a Latino. (Counting my blessings here!) It was kind of creepy, and I'm glad it was just on the cheek. Whew!
We came back and promptly left to go scrapbooking. A monthly outing we enjoy. And following this endeavor, we headed to dinner with the whole Vegas crew. Mmmm.... Buca di Beppo is really one of my favorite places. The food (lots of food this week... it's how we celebrate) is so good you never want to stop eating it. I'm on their email list, and for my birthday they sent me a coupon for free dessert. I ordered the Colossal Brownie Sundae thinking it should be just large enough for the 9 of us to have a few bites each. Oh no... when they say colossal, they mean it. They bring out this sundae that, I kid you not, is about the size of my HEAD! My eyes just about bugged out of that head. Well, everyone, including the kids, got more than just a couple bites each. Their brownies are made fresh every morning, and with chocolate and vanilla gelato... yum. I'm still blown away by how huge this thing was. So remember kids, when you want a big dessert, go to Bucca di Beppo and get their colossal sundae.
To end the day (after a few hours of child-watching and hanging out with my sister) I went to visit Mike in the city. He just moved into a new apartment and invited people over to see it. Okay, call it a party if you wish. Most of us were Mormon. All except for a married couple. After most everyone had left, they started asking questions about us and our faith. It was amazing! I haven't had a missionary experience like this since my mission and I've been looking forward to an unplanned opportunity like this for a long time. They're even looking forward to visiting church one Sunday. It's so exciting to me. Granted, I didn't get back to my house until about 3am, but it was definitely worth it. What a great way to end your birthday celebration!
This has been just about the best birthday I can remember. Thank you to everyone who participated in person or in spirit. I had a blast!
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