A birthday fit for a queen!

Six months ago Dingle asked me what I wanted to do for my big 3-0. My reply, "something fun...oh and I don't want to plan it!" I know, I am so helpful. Poor guy. It is no secret that I LOVE my birthday. I don't understand people who don't like their birthday...what's not to like?!? The attention? The love? The accomplishment of having lived another year? For the past 8 years we have celebrated "birthday week extravaganza". Which, contrary to urban legend, did not originate out of my love for celebrating. On the contrary, it was out of necessity. We had several different groups of friends that we would have dinner or drinks with, plus both sides of the family, throw in a co-worker lunch, and a cozy dinner for two and it took a full week to fit it all in. Granted a precedent was set after that first year together.

In the past I have been the coordinator so I was very grateful when Matt agreed to take the reigns. Now, I have no idea how many emails were exchanged, although I can imagine the hilarity of the dialog. More than once he would laugh out loud and then say, "shhhh, nevermind." You can imagine how well that went over.

Matt's mom and dad arrived to watch Lily at about 10:30 on Saturday morning, which is really early for them. We were chauffeured into the city and dropped our bags at the beautiful Back Bay Hotel. From the hotel we sat in 20 minutes of traffic to drive three blocks. Three blocks closer to Fenway Park! I was in shock, we had tickets to the game! The sox/yankees game! On opening weekend! Matt even remembered to bring me a shirt to wear, unfortunately it was my old RAMIREZ shirt, ahhhhhhh! Great, I am the poster child for juiced up losers! I vowed to leave my jacket on but it was so nice out...I loudly made a joke as I took my jacket off, people around us laughed, it was all good. But I am getting ahead of myself. As we were getting to our seats I turned to look at the scoreboard only to see Jacklyn and Rich waving at me from a few rows away! I love them even though they are Yankees fans! Also making a suprise appreance at the game, Nard and Phil. Two amazing brothers I haven't seen in a long time. Phil made the trip all the way from San Fransisco. I was so excited to see them I practically leapt over the people sitting in front of me!

       

From the game we headed back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. The hotel was fantastic! I was maybe a little too excited to wear my robe and eat chocolate covered strawberries, courtesy of Jacklyn and Rich! We headed over to Sunset Grille in Allston (one of my favorite beer bars) where I was met by so many smiling faces. Twenty people flew, drove unreasonable distances, rode in cabs, and fought for parking, to make me feel special on my birthday. It was overwhelming, one of the best nights of my life. Dinner was filled with friendship, love, and laughter. It was a night I will not soon forget and could never thank everyone enough for.

(There were several people who were unable to make it, I promise you were missed) 

Being the awesome old folks that we are...I was tucked into my king size bed, in my robe, with my strawberries, and one of my favorite movies of all time on the tv...by midnight. 

I wear my heart of my sleeve and when I love you, I tell you. 

I love you.