thir-tee-three is okay with me

My birthday last year was so bad, I don't think I ever even blogged about it.  Terrible.  Definitely my worst birthday ever and one of my top 5 least favorite days in life.  I worked for about 18 hours and the weather was crappy and it was just one.of.those.days.  Except there was the expectation that it would be fabulous.  It was a bad start to 32.

But 32 was wrapped up neatly with a little bow and put on a shelf today as 33 took it's place.  I worked today.  One huge difference between this year and last - I love my job.  I was over my old job by this time last year.  I LOVE my job.  And today I realized just how much I love the people I work with.  I feel lucky to be around people that care so much and went the extra mile to make sure I knew that they did.

I MAY or may not have prepped the boys before they went to bed last night.  READ: "Mommy's very special birthday is tomorrow so make sure you remember to tell me happy birthday, give me lots of hugs and kisses, and sing to me when you wake up!"

And I may or may not have had to remind them again today, but that's okay. They delivered.

It was a little hard to focus at work today with my phone buzzing every 5 minutes for Facebook notifications where someone had posted birthday wishes on my wall.  SO NICE!  This is something I am so bad about. But it really did make me feel loved and special so I vow to do better.  Happy birthday everyone!  

A friend at work took me to lunch and we were able to chat and catch up, which was a treat.  I returned to my desk being decorated and this: 

SO NICE.

After work, Ryan's parents came up to watch the boys so we could go out for dinner and drinks. I met Ryan at the Toyota dealership where I dropped my car off for an oil change. 

Then we headed downtown to a new-ish place (recommended by one of my kind co-workers) called Bakersfield.  

I think I'm obsessed with this place. 

I'm definitely obsessed with the food. 

We tried the Fish (1), Pastor (2), Huitlacoche (3), and Short Rib (4).  Oh, and the chips & queso.  

All dee-lish.

I had the Red Headed Stranger per the server's suggestion and Ryan had The Drifter.  Both too strong for my liking, but fun to try anyway. 

cheers!

loves.

I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful evening to stroll downtown through a couple of charming shops. 

Silver in the City

Seriously. So perfect.

Mass Ave Toys

Such a neat store. I wish I had unlimited space and money!

It was well after seven and I needed to pick up my car before eight so we headed back to the dealership.  Then swung by Cheesecake Factory on the way home and left with a to-go bag of sinfully delicious desserts.

There's never any trouble finding helpers when presents need to be opened. 

Gifts consisted of money to buy new clothes and a Hungry Girl cookbook.

YAY!

We put the boys to bed and then enjoyed our hidden and forbidden treats.  Oh yes.

And with that, I'll be getting RIGHT back to Couch to 5k and eating healthy tomorrow.  

What a day - what a WONDERFUL day.  And thank you so much to anyone and everyone who played a large or small role in my day today!  I'm truly happy. Truly blessed.  Loving 33!

xoxo,

~C~