the dirty 30

As I sit here typing this birthday blog I am reminded that I only got 3.5 hours of sleep last night.

 Guess what that means?

Yep. You guessed it.

I did my 30^th birthday up right.

The entire weekend was a blow-up-mega-double-dose birthday weekend bash.

If that didn't make any sense I was trying to say, is that…

My birthday was out of control….in the best way possible of course.

I had the privilege of spending the entire weekend with just about every single favorite person I have in my life today. There were a few missing (Cathy and Eric) but for the most part, I got to see every one that is near and dear to me and well…

Gosh golly…

I felt so loved.

I really did.

I felt like a magic mega roman candle the entire weekend
 (thanks, Patrick).

Friday evening my dear sweet precious amazing talented friend, Tammy, had the most lovely birthday bash for me at her home. She has become really close to me this past year and is such a blessing. I have the utmost admiration and respect for her and I am truly lucky to call her my friend.

Her pumpkin cheesecake was the best drug thing, hands down, I have ever eaten.

Tammy, thank you once again for making me feel so special and so loved. I’m looking at the most beautiful basket of flowers I have ever seen (and yes, I remembered to water them) and my heart is just filled with gratitude and joy.

And thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with me. It really did mean so much to me.

Saturday afternoon, (my actual birthday) my sweet Lydia and I headed on to Meridian to celebrate with my family. Lydia and I have been close for over 10 years now and she had never been to Meridian with me! I loved having her home with me.

 It was extra special with her there.

Before we left, I got to have a special birthday lunch with my main Jackson man—Malcolm White.

His friendship not only means the world to me—it’s also so much fun.

Once in Meridian,

My family and a few close friends enjoyed dinner at Sake Sushi.

It was so awesome to have all my siblings home. 

 It was, as usual, a crazy Nanney show-down where many stories were told and laughs were heard….(throughout the entire restaurant, I’m sure.)

I want to highlight a few friends that were there...

Josh has been a friend of mine for years and years….we grew up together in Meridian and I’m so happy that he’s still in my life. Josh is a real sweetheart. Such a gentlemen. Such a Catholic. Super funny. And a little quirky. And I’m so glad that he was there to celebrate with us.

Patrick and I have known each other for years. I really don’t remember not knowing him…..but we were never close until the past year or so. My family so graciously and gently reminded all of us about the time Patrick came over for lunch 11 years ago….in which case that story deserves its own blog entry... but let’s just say Patrick has always had a very special place in my heart and I truly am so honored to call him my friend. 

He is one of the most amazing male friends I have. He’s so kind. So humble. He literally exudes creativity and I have never seen an imagination work quite like his. He has been so supportive of me and I just don’t know what I’d do without him.

Theresa has been with me through thick and thin. Our relationship is a true testament that tough love works. She is family to me and I can’t imagine life without her (and of course it goes without saying that I feel the same way about Josh and the kiddos).

I also must confess to you that I had a little relapse with my smoking.

After being surrounded by smokers for a few hours, I decided I should be able to have a cigarette on my birthday. And so I did. And of course I didn’t have just one…..i had about 20 in a span of 3 hours (yep..that is truly how I role).

And let me just tell you, after over a year and a half of being a non-smoker—it didn’t taste nasty. It tasted amazing and delicious and reminded me that smoking is pretty much one of my very favorite things in the world. I never coughed and my throat didn’t feel like complete shit today. I guess I was just born to smoke. Ha!

But before you get mad, upset, or judgmental---(hold on to your white horse)….It was only just for that one night. I haven’t had one today and I don’t plan on having another one ever (well…maybe until I turn 31;)

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Faraway Places (as usual)...

I had lots of compliments on my green blouse—courtesy of The Orange Peel.

I can go ahead and already tell you that I love being 30 (and one day).

I could go on and on about how thankful I am. How grateful I am. How blessed I am.

But….

Somehow, I think you already know that.

To ALL of you who wished me happy birthday via facebook/texts/phone-calls/cards/messages…

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!

It made this ole gal feel so special and loved.

And isn’t that what birthdays are for?!?!

And now it’s back to reality for me.

I think I’m going to have to go in hibernation mode for the next few weeks to gather back my social graces and get serious about this semester…(hello, Neuroanatomy! I hear you knocking and I’m about to answer you…tomorrow).

Here’s to you my friends—for making my life so full of joy.

Here’s to you, 30! You’re already rocking my face off.

 My 30^th birthday portrait taken by none other than Lydia Grey.

And yes, that is the red couch in Weidman’s bathroom.