One year older, none the wiser

So, I've been off of here for a few days, and with good reason. I turned 28 at the end of last week.

Yup, one step closer to 30. Shit.

Come to think of it, this actually means I'm starting my 29th year, since my birthday marked the finish of my 28th year of life. Ugh, that makes it seem even worse.

Anyway, to commemorate making it through another year, I decided it was time to get out of town for awhile and try to clear my head a bit. I needed some low-key enjoyment for a few days. So, I headed out to the coast for some hiking. I lucked out with some gorgeous days and awesome scenery, while making some new friends along the way.

And then I had to come back. Bummer.

But that didn't mean the celebrating came to an end. I did some more hiking and got to go out with a couple of my really good friends.

Looking back on my childhood, I have realized that I never had birthday parties. I had a few family ones when I was really young, but that was about it. I don't know why I didn't necessarily...it just didn't happen. In my awkward pre-teen years, I think I was probably just afraid that I wasn't popular enough to have anyone show up, and during my teenage years, I always planned on having them, but my parents never followed through with any fund-age on that front.

So, to make up for my lack of birthday parties in the past, I've always made it imperative to celebrate this special occasion as an adult.

I've had some pretty amazing parties/cocktail hours in the past few years, and have never had any worries about my friends showing up. Until this year, for whatever reason. Thank goodness for two of my best friends here in Seattle meeting me out one night to celebrate...it's nice to know who you can count on. Otherwise I would have just felt completely pathetic (and still kind of did, but I suppose it's all part of getting older and still being amazingly single).

I'm also lucky enough to have friends back in Phoenix that were gracious enough to think of me and send some special cards and gifts...they definitely put a smile on my face!

Anyway, I had a great time dancing the night away...drank too much, but that's to be expected. Here's to my friends! Love you guys for making my day special, regardless.

Song of the day: "Tonight" We Are Scientists (LOVE this song...love love love love it)