Happy (Belated) Birthday to Me!!!

I’m definitely not in the category of draw-attention-to-myself, all-eyes-on-me type of person. I’m very comfortable being in the background, persay …. but, not in a pathetic-wallflower sort of way. I just don’t need all eyes on me. It’s too much pressure. If they’re looking at you, then they’re judging you- whether good or bad, and I don’t want to be on the receiving end of anyone’s critical eye. I’m more than critical enough of myself… I don’t need someone confirming my insecurities, thank you very much. I do a fine job of that on my own.

But, there is one day of the year that I don’t mind attention. My birthday. I certainly don’t need over-the-top attention, but I like it when people acknowledge it and I LOVE it when it lasts over several days (i.e. birthday dinners, get-togethers). I definitely do cringe a bit at turning another year older- not so much by the number, but I just have always had ideas in my head of where I would be in life by this point and this ain’t it! But, I can also look at the things that have happened that weren’t expected, and, really it’s pretty cool the route God has taken me, the opportunities He’s afforded me and the multitude of blessings He’s given me. I really can’t complain.

This birthday did not disappoint. I had a great time!

Although my b-day was several days ago, I’ve delayed posting about it, not because I’m upset over it, but because of the ridiculous amount of time it takes me to upload photos to blogger! It’s 2009. They really need to offer a drag and drop option. Instead, we have this tedious process of browsing for the photo, uploading the photo (and you can only do 5 at once) and then you have to look at the mess of html coding (or whatever it is) and try to figure out which picture is which and then place them where you want them on your blog. It’s a pain. Ok. My rant is done. (for now)

So, here’s my birthday in pictures, or as it’s better known- the I-didn’t-stop-eating-for-five-days-tour. That tour is done. I visited several cities, ate in numerous restaurants and just finally finished the last of the leftovers last night. :)

The family was in town prior to my birthday, but before they left, we went out for a birthday dinner to OC Mining Company. If you’ve never been there- go. It’s up on a hilltop overlooking several cities and it’s beautiful at night. Most of the restaurant is set up so everyone has a view. The food is good and plentiful as well!







My wonderful co-workers also got in on the birthday action. They decorated my cubicle and brought in this A-MA-ZING cake. It was some combination of three layers of marble cake, filled with cheesecake filling and chocolate mousse filling. It was all topped in ganache, whipped cream and strawberries.




Went to Disneyland on my actual birthday and spent about ½ day there. During which time, we rode on several attractions, people-watched and if you’ve never people-watched at Disneyland, then you haven’t ever really people-watched- the most ‘interesting’ people come out of the woodwork to go to DL…and it’s not just locals- you have a veritable parade of freaks from around the world at your disposal…you simply have to take time when you visit just to watch everyone walk by. And, of course, ate more food. We went to Café Orleans for lunch because I love love love their Monte Cristo Sandwich. It’s, essentially, a heart attack on a plate. Turkey, ham and cheese on white bread (you’re probably thinking that doesn’t sound so bad, but just wait)… said sandwich is then fully dipped into a batter and deep fried to perfection. It is sprinkled with powdered sugar and you are given raspberry preserves to dip it in. YUM-MY! Then the kind waiter, who knew it was my birthday because of the donut-sized button DL gives you to wear all day (yes, of course I could opt out of wearing it, but what’s the fun in that? I want people to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to me). As he brought us our bill, he also brought a Mickey Mouse shaped beignet (another deep fried delicacy) dessert over and a birthday card that was signed by the Café Orleans staff. Very nice touch!





Before leaving the park I stopped at the Candy Palace and picked up the most adorable Minnie Mouse themed caramel apple. Don’t ask how much it cost. I’m embarrassed that I bought it for that price, but it was a one-time thing, never to happen again.



Later that evening, my sister and her boyfriend took me out to dinner to a Mexican restaurant where I proceeded to have a 4-item combo dinner with a taco, enchilada, tamale and a couple of flautas…not to mention the obligatory chips and salsa we had beforehand. My sister’s boyfriend gave me a bouquet of flowers at the restaurant, so the waitress knew it was my birthday and, again, as we are waiting for the bill, she and 4 other employees walk up, slap a sombrero on my head and sing a birthday song. Did I mention that they brought along with them an ice cream sundae. What was that ice cream sundae sitting in? Why a deep fried bowl of course.




We then made our way over to the movie theatre and saw Bride Wars. Cute movie – I liked it. It was a no-brainer, which is what I was looking for. Then presents and lemon cake.





The next day I met up with friends for church and they took me out to dinner at Chili’s for my birthday. I had these chicken crispers (aka small pieces of fried chicken). The girls obviously told the waitress we were there for my b-day. So… at the end of the meal, they brought over a chocolate-molten-cake-ice cream-sundae-piece-of-heaven.




The next night a couple of my girlfriends took me out to Italian food- SO good and such a cute location. The dessert that night was a chocolate chip cannoli.




Lastly, on Wednesday I got a call from the front desk at work and my lovely friend sent me flowers! They are so pretty and they brightened up my day significantly.




I hope that everyone has as great of a birthday as I did this year!