28

Since everyone knows how much I like to milk my birthday for all it's worth, you'll be happy to know that I have successfully had 5 separate times to celebrate. The first was with mom and dad after church on Sunday. They took me out for sushi and then to see Mama Mia, and gave me my presents - much needed bath towels and storage baskets. Thanks!

I woke up on the 22nd determined not to be depressed about turning 28 years old. As daunting as that is, and with 30 looming two years out, my immediate reaction is to freak out! I got to read all the great birthday blogs - Thanks everyone!

At work the gang threw a little party for me with Red Velvet Cake and everything (not as good as Ma's though)! I got some sweet cards and gifts and about 30 co-workers came over to the Sales Office to help me celebrate. They are really only there for the cake, but that's okay :)

After work I met up with Shara at the beach. She just got back from Belize, so I got to hear all about her amazing and challenging mission trip. I'm so thrilled that she is being provided with so much opportunity to go minister outside of the country. God is really using her and changing her in so many wonderful ways. I didn't think there was any way he could improve upon my very best friend Shara. But he has taken everything beautiful about her character and heart and deepened it, adding a whole new dimension. I'm so proud of her and so thankful to have such an amazing friend! She had a stack of perfectly wrapped packages for me, and as always, they were filled with special little gifts that have "Chesed" written all over them. I am blessed!

Then I went to Off 98 that night to celebrate the 2 year Birthday of the group and to give Matt Walker (it's at his house) a proper send off as he moves to Memphis to start a new chapter. Attendance was up and the teaching was very relevant to everything going on right now in my life. My birthday was also celebrated, which was a surprise...

Last night for my other young adults' group in Grayton Beach, I showed up and they had a banner and gifts and ice cream cake for me, which was another great surprise! I got flowers, cards, and a pearl bracelet from Rendezvous in Seaside (I've wanted one for a while now)! We roasted hot dogs and went over to the huge pool at Sactuary at Red Fish to swim and sit in the hot tub. Though it was a late night, I was so thankful that I'm blessed with tons of people who care about me and wanted to do something to make me feel special!

28 is going to be a good year for me! I've decided!