Birthday Surprise!

Birthdays. Aren’t they the best!? Mine luckily fell on a Saturday this year which meant I didn’t have to spend it at work. YES! On Saturday night, I was surprised by a group of sweet, beloved friends! I walked in to my best friend Carly’s apartment to a beautiful scene of friends, her homemade sangria, margaritas, and a beautiful cake. My friend, Daniel, was there snapping pictures, I felt a bit like a celebrity for a moment. We had a drink and visited Carly’s roof for the beautiful view! Carly also gave me a special birthday present, an old-fashioned friendship bracelet. She and I now wear the same bracelet with charms that say faith, hope, and love. Such a thoughtful and unique gift!

Then we headed to Cilantro for some Mexican food. (I am highly judgmental of Mexican food in NYC, so Carly had gotten a great recommendation from my fellow friend and Texan, Leticia.) We had more Sangria and Mexican beer and chips with hot sauce. Food note, they had yellow, blue, and sweet potato chips in their baskets-I was impressed. We had a great meal and Carly made a special toast. She had everyone write something they liked about me, and read them aloud at the dinner. I was so overwhelmed by the love and kindness the people in my life showed me on my birthday.

As the party ended, we feasted on a beautiful apple walnut cake from Buttercup Bakery that my parents had sent. It was great that they could be a part of it all the way from Texas.

I feel so blessed to have had such a great birthday. This city and the special people in it made everything perfect! Looking forward to a wonderful 26^th year of life.