Another Year Older

Last Thursday was my birthday.  Work is still pretty busy.  So when my mom called at 6:45am, I was just hitting snooze and opted not to answer.  Lucky I didn't because I was tired and grouchy and she was happy, excited and singing me Happy Birthday.  I might have been mean :).  And when my dad and sister called in the morning the U.S. time (evening here), I was still at the office.  I knew this would be the case and instead of celebrating on my birthday, I'm hoping to take off a day in the next week or two and treat myself to a spa day!

I had received two package notifications in the mail earlier in the week, so I had planned to work from home in the morning so I could collect them after 8:30 when my nearby post office branch opens.  Unfortunately only one was there to be collected - I got the other one along with two more on Saturday morning!  It was for the best to open the packages on Saturday as it definitely started a waterworks show :).  Being so far from family and friends really opens your eyes to how important they are and probably how much I have under-appreciated them in the past. I love and miss everyone so much!  And I'm blessed with great gift-givers :). Here's everything that came!

Top left, clockwise:

Cubs t-shirt from the super Cub fans in South Bend (aka Aunt Mary & Uncle Craig); burnt orangish scarf/shawl from my sister - always wanted one but can never pick one; Happy Birthday cup cake from Shaun - had some air, but wasn't still floating after the trip over; some more Chewy bars from my sister (I was just running out!); some more cupcake fun fruity pebbles style; some random sparklers - that's mom :); fun new undies thanks to Shaun and Mandi's great taste; a journal to record my goings on (what can't be shared in blog land); two crazy birthday cards - from two crazy sisters who unknowningly almost got me the same cards that sing happy birthday in crazy animal/alien voices, too funny; decorative magnets and cute/inspirational post-its from said sisters; religious plaque from mom - always reminding me that God's watching out for me; Grandma's cookies!!! has to be #1 - I could smell them as soon as I opened the tupperware dish; black jelly beans (awesome pick Tom! can't find 'em here); and as always an elephant - this one is from Kate and I love the bright yellow and orange flowers (it wasn't the only elephant - the undies had a safari surprise).

Thank you to everyone, it really made my day.  I don't know if I'll make it home any time soon, but can't wait to see you all!

-- Mom & Dad, Grandma, Katie & Tom, Curtis, Aunt Mary & Uncle Craig, Shaun (& helper Mandi) --

and thanks to all for the FB happy b-day wishes!