Monday, December 01, 2008

Birthday Blatherings

Last night, I went out to celebrate my birthday with six of my friends from this area:-) It was so nice to have talk time and relaxation. The evening was a mild 60F and very Christmasy with the neighborhoods showing off their seasonal lights. Thank-you, girls, for the friendship!

I was trying to remember where I spent my 20's birthdays. Next year will be the big 3-0 and a new decade.
- age 20, 21, 22: studying for chemistry exams in Victoria
- age 23: first year in San Diego. Dan took me on a dinner cruise on San Diego Bay
- age 24: Dan was deployed. Had birthday with friends at the San Diego Cheesecake Factory.
- age 25: first year in Bay area. Dan and I went to a nice restaurant, but the staff didn't show up for work, so dinner took 3hrs to cook and serve. Other patrons were actually leaving before their meals were cooked because it took so long!
- age 26: very pregnant with Russell. Gramps had just died two days previous. We ate a quiet dinner in Half Moon Bay.
- age 27: dinner with three other couples in Palo Alto at the Fish Market.
- age 28: attended Dan's work party. Ritzy restaurant? check. Nice food? check. Free evening? check!! Spent a weekend with April in San Diego at the Del. Ahhhh.
- age 29: night out with the girls. Dinner with Dan and Russell tonight.

I think, like everything else in life, birthdays evolve. As children, we anticipate birthdays for weeks leading up to the special day. As a teen, birthdays mean more freedoms, like driver's licenses and drinking ages. As grown adults, birthdays mean more family time and reflecting over the past year's activities and events. This was the first year I felt a little reluctant for turning another year older because of the baby thing, but who knows? To God, time is but a whisper in the wind. I know I am so blessed and the 20's have been good. I just know the 30's will be even better!

Thank-you to all my family and friends for the cards and notes:-) I know I am loved.

11 comments:

Aly sun said...

Happy Birthday my dear friend! It is so cool you remember where you were on all your birthdays. It was fun to read your list!

Choco Girl said...

My dear Hillary, How is it that December 4th is stuck in my brain as your birthday? No idea! It looks like you had a wonderful fun birthday! Happy Birthday my dear friend!
Love, April

C. Beth said...

Happy birthday, Hillary! I pray God's blessings on you and your family this year. And I know his timing is perfect, but I'm continuing to ask that your desire for a healthy baby be realized.

Anonymous said...

Happy, Happy birthday, Hillary. I hope this year is a VERY blessed one for you! With much love.

Polly Gamwich said...

I'm sorry I missed it :-(

Happy Birthday today!

Elizabeth said...

Happy Birthday Hillary!! I had a wonderful time celebrating with you last night. May today and this whole year be rich with blessings. Enjoy!!

Glenn+Jenn+Owen+Ian said...

Happy Birthday Hillary! Thinking of you, enjoy the dinner with the boys!

Laura said...

In all the random holidays we have spent together, I can't believe I haven't been with you on your birthday! We were thinking of you as we were driving to run errands last night. Happy Birthday!
I was thinking of you last Thursday too as I was pulling out my turkey breast. The only other time I remotely help cook a turkey was at your grandparents, American Thanksgiving 2001.

Cass said...

So fun to have a girls night out! And at the Cheesecake Factory too!!

Fun to remember where you were all these birthdays ...
... and next year??

Photogrl said...

Happy belated birthday!

Looks like you had a good one :)

Stacey said...

Sorry I missed your birthday, Hillary! I just returned home Saturday night.
So glad you had a great time and have enjoyed your 20s!