Most people dread their 30th birthday. I don't totally understand it. Isn't age just a number? How is 30 any different than 25? I'm blessed to be generally happy as I enter my 30s: personally and professionally. Could things be a little better or a little different? Sure. But at present, I have few regrets and there's bound to be exciting changes and challenges to come that I will embrace just the same as I have always done in my life.
On this birthday, I was surrounded by a group of my dearest friends in Chicago. On a swanky downtown rooftop, of all places! The Fella astonished me by organizing a surprise party at The Conrad Hotel's Terrace. When all this time I thought we were going for a quiet dinner for two, our friends were secretly gathering to help me celebrate my 30th! And what an unforgettable, heartwarming surprise night it was! For starters, I was just happy I still (miraculously) fit into one of my dressier dresses and that I only felt like I had to pee once on our way to the secret destination. Some familiar faces are missing this year, but I was nostalgically reminded of last year's 29th bash on another terrace at the top of the Dana Hotel. You all know how I love me my rooftops!
{ old high school friend and new friends }
{ A + J have the cutest smiles - now I know where Baby J gets it from! }
{ something is missing here... a big, black Great Dane mix perhaps? }
{ even more surprising guests showed up, an old friend who has been MIA }
{ cool scientists }
With amazing city views and hot temps that reminded me of lazy Havana nights, and tons of food and mojitos, to boot...
Not to mention, a pre-birthday weekend getaway, surprise cupcakes delivery, clever gifts from near and afar, birthday wishes, and a new BABY on the way, I couldn't ask for a better way to ring in 30!
At 30, I feel more sure of myself and confident as an individual than ever before and am really looking forward to what's to come. I'm still learning to sometimes ask for help, but at least now I am comfortable speaking up for what I believe in and taking action to make change. Most of the time, anyway. :)
Yay, so glad you had a fun birthday celebration! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you can tell what headband I am wearing... look familiar? :)
ReplyDeleteI stumbled on your site as a friend of mine suggested I check out other bloggers working on their list of 30 things before 30. I really like your ending quote " I feel more sure of myself and confident as an individual than ever before and am really looking forward to what's to come. I'm still learning to sometimes ask for help, but at least now I am comfortable speaking up for what I believe in and taking action to make change. Most of the time, anyway." I think this speaks to a lot of us. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete30 Before 30 in 30, thank you for visiting! I wish you luck in your list and I will be following along! What fun you will have discovering new things :)
ReplyDelete