On March 17. I turned thirty. Yes, the big 3- 0. And it was probably the best birthday I have ever had. I didn’t think much could top turning 21 but it did. I have basically had an entire week of festivities.
On Monday night, Nathan asked me where I wanted to go to dinner for my birthday. I picked out a restaurant, and then he said, well I was kind of thinking about going to Las Margaritas. My mind was immediately changed. Mexican? Best Margaritas ever? I was immediately sold on the idea, so much that I can’t even tell you what I initially asked for. I also decided it would be a nice little birthday gift to me AND Nathan for me to have a cute little outfit for dinner.
So Tuesday I go to work, despite Nathan and Liz having given me crap for it all week. (“Who works on their birthday, seriously?” I counter-argued “What am I going to do, all day; watch TV and fold clothes all day? At least at work, I’m getting paid.” After work, it was off to the mall. The girls a Lane Bryant turned me in to their Barbie Doll, as I let them bring me clothes of every nature to find a fun outfit to wear for dinner, which also looked good with my new necklace from Paulette. After two hours, I knew that I had to pick something, and be home to meet Nathan.
I got home and picked out the hippie shirt and jeans of the two outfits I purchased, and the lovely glass flower around my neck, I set about makeup and hair, when Nathan arrived home. He told me we had reservations at seven. So I finished up, feeling sufficiently cute for our date this evening. I saw my camera lying on the couch, and grabbed it. Nathan looked at me puzzled and I told him, I wanted a nice picture of us, that maybe we could get the waiter to take one. He shrugged and we headed out the door.
As we pulled into the parking lot, the sun was in our eyes and Nathan missed the entrance to the restaurant. We were pulling farther back into the shopping center away from it. I kept thinking, “Geeze it’s my birthday, cant we park close by for a change??” We made our way back to the restaurant parking lot and parked. As we walked in I started thinking about what margarita I would order first, as Nathan steered met our table.
As we rounded the corner, I started to see our friends and family sitting at a large table, and they all turned and smiled and said “Surprise!” My Dad and Sister and Mom Randolph and Josh were there, Nick, Julie, Nate, Bethel and their little girl Keri. I was tickled pink he brought everyone together for me! What a great guy he is. I walked over to hug Mom Randolph, when someone jumped up from next to her, and said “SURPRISE!!!”
It was Liz. My best friend. Who lives in NYC.
At first I thought “Hey! Liz is here too.”
We hugged hard.
Then it dawned on me. “LIZ IS HERE!! NOT IN NYC!!”
Then I started crying. I miss her horribly.
After I was done blubbering Liz pointed at the cake (which I had noticed the odd cake, but not really acknowledged it yet) and said do you recognize this cake? I kind of pondered at her, and said no. She whipped out her Iphone and pulled up the picture of the cake.
Let me preface this by saying that Liz and I both play “World of Warcraft”, and its where she and I spend the most time together since she lives far away now.
It was the “Lovely Cake” that is sold in game for your “party” to eat.
A few weeks ago, I had particularly bad “no baby” week. She tried cheering me up by bringing over the “lovely cake” to me and being silly with me in the game. It helped and by the end of that night, I was feeling better.
And ways, back to REALITY.
Liz made a replica of that cake. The one that made me feel better. Because that’s what friends do. They make you feel good.
Renee Needham Photography
As the night rolled on, A few more friends showed up, a few called to say happy birthday. I even got a fantastic phone call from Elena, my niece with an awesome rendition sung to me of Happy Birthday.
Nathan was worn out by the end of the night. He had been planning for a long time for this night, with help from Liz and my Dad. Having everyone together just made it one of the best nights of my life.
The thing is, my birthday didn’t end there; it’s played out the rest of this week.
The next day, I headed to Dayton to spend some really needed time with Liz and Mom R. Liz had planned a girl’s night with my friends Debbie and Jenny. I decided the night wouldn’t be complete without Josh so I asked him to join us as well, turning the evening into a fun night out. We went to Bar Louie’s for drinks and dinner.
I haven’t seen Debbie in almost 10 years. We found each other on MySpace about 2 years ago, and found out just how much we still have in common. It was great seeing her, rehashing stories, and giggling into the wee hours of the night.
