24 started right

As birthdays go, this one is on top of the list. It may just beat out the vintage 1880s birthday party at the Lion House that featured a taffy pull. Which I did twice - for 8 and 12.

Caution - mucho picture heavy post.

Breakfast started the day at DZ Akins - a Jewish owned bakery and deli with photos of celebs plastered all over the wall. And a jar of pickles at the table. A jar of pickles! So weird.

Note to self: this is what I looked like at 24 with no make up, no shower, no nothing. In 10 years will I be jealous or will some anti aging cream do wonders to that skin tone?

I told the waitress it was my birthday and she brought me a cupcake. It was so cute. I can't remember the last time I did that.

After a mound of French Toast, we were exhausted. So we napped. I think as long as I can remember, I've napped on my birthday. Gotten up for a parade or to watch the 5K run that went by my house (to cheer for passers by) and then napped. The beauty of birth on a holiday, I suppose.

When we woke up, Husband built my present. A nightstand. So I can keep my mouthguard, Excedrin and hand braces in there. Really, its a present for him so he doesn't have to retrieve things in the middle of the night.

But the biggest surprise of the day, was the birthday party husband hosted for me. I've never ever had a birthday party on my birthday. Everyone is always too busy on July 4 - which is cool, but its also awkward to show up to other people's barbecue's and be all "its my birthday!" feed me meat.

Ah, social anxieties.

As an adult, I realized that I'm the type of person that could never throw a birthday party for myself out of fear that I have no friends and no one would show up (am I alone, please say no?)

So when husband emailed me Tuesday saying people were coming over and celebrating with us, I couldn't believe it. I was so touched and felt so blessed to have a hubsy that wants to realize my dreams. He even made an evite. I've still never seen it - but he tells me it exists.

I blew out all the candles at once. All 24. Heck yes I'm documenting that. I was intimidated. I almost started blowing them out before people sang - and we didn't turn out the lights, I hope my wish comes true.

A "Wild Side SNUGGIE!" Awesome. No seriously, ever since, I've been yelling "snugggeeee"
Husband said "no gifts," but all week I was touched by how sweet friends have been. My mom flew here, flowers, work friends gave me gifts, a friend baked the quad-layer ice cream and chocolate and mousse cake.

It makes me want to be more generous in my gift giving. I don't think I am generous enough.

We topped the evening off with fireworks. I love fireworks. I did my best to shoot the fireworks with the new SLR. I had no clue, but I think this one turned out OK. Whatev, we've all seen fireworks. They are splendid, aren't they? I look forward to them all year long.