"I'm glad these only happen once a year...because whoah..."

I might have said that quote to some of my work friends yesterday.   It's the truth, the whole truth...so help me.  As always, if you know me, you know that I celebrate birthdays.  I believe in celebrating life, and I feel so incredibly lucky to be here still.  I honestly am feeling like each year that passes I want to celebrate more and more, because it just really feels like a gift.  I know that I've mentioned this before, but honestly I just really didn't picture my life past 30.  So this is all a mind trip for me!  In the spirit of celebrating, it is Megan-style to include several things on my birthday week/month/time.  These included apple pie, dancing, danger, friendships, family, ice cream, songs, surprises, late nights, food, and that "what happened" feeling.

Let's start with danger.  I used to have a scooter in my pre-baby days.  The scooter was a beaut but she didn't work that well.  After I found out I was pregnant, off she went, and I didn't think I would get one every again.  The desire has been there for awhile the past few years, and I finally decided to go for it.  After speaking with my police officer buddy and Russell, I convinced myself that I needed to take a Motorcycle Safety Class.  I took two days off work, and did one of the scariest things I have ever done...at least in awhile.  The classes was very good and informative, but definitely out of my comfort zone.  I kept thinking how good it was to be in tune to what my students go through on a daily basis at school!  (Always a social worker, I am).  Well I managed to pass both the driving and written test, with maybe 2 hours of sleep and now proudly display the M (motorcycle) endorsement on my license.   I also passed my eye test at the DMV, which also causes a bit of anxiety.  Another story there for another time!    This was all a good thing, considering Russell worked his booty off to help me find my perfect scooter.  Currently his name is Ron.  He comes from the word orange in Spanish= narjana.  My helmet arrived this past Friday.  I have yet to ride him to work, but I'm hoping that inaugural ride will be soon...next week.

Moving on to family....I've got the best family ever.  My parents came down and celebrated with dinner and ice cream.  And they got me the best SPARKLY helmet ever!  Lastly they took the kids for the weekend so that I could celebrate College-style my birthday.  My in-laws were amazing and gave me cards, and a beautiful bowl and the best quote that I'll keep between us....I'm looking at you MIL. Love.  The kids sang happy birthday to me, with the encouragement of Russell.  As always so sweet to hear your little ones sing to you:)  I think we have most definitely passed along the joy of birthdays.

Friends.  Oh oh oh I am so darn lucky.  Mandy and I went out dancing in Denver, despite numerous rescheduling, almost wanting to cancel due to weather-motivation-energy.  We love our dancing.  Always have, and always will.  We braved our resistance, spent a chunk of money, but had the best time every!  I always appreciate that lady!  She gave a book of pictures/memories.  No doubt, something I will cherish for ever!   At work I was showered with goodies from my dear dear people in my life.  I also stood on the stage in the cafeteria while my friend Brett had the entire 7th grade sing to me.  That doesn't happen to everyone.

Russell also helped to arrange a beer trolley tour in our hometown with friends.  It was so amazingly awesome.I have gone through various phases of friendships, especially with having kids and moving.  This year I was brave and invited friends that I am just starting to get to know, friends that have now become my Colorado framily, and of course my friends that have been around since the college days!  I had a great surprise from my Nebraska peeps that brought my dear friends Cristale and Jessie here-and a double surprise that their husbands came too!  Thinking about it now, it was such a great night of a collision of all the people that supported me along the way.  It's funny, I was super anxious at first because I wanted everyone to feel included and a part of the gang.  Funny how I would worry about that, when I have such wonderful people in my life!  I also am super motivated to continue on with the lovely friendships I have, and continue to grow my crew.  Both the dancing and the trolley left me with feelings of "what happened" the next morning.  Would I do it again, absolutely.  I know I have more pics of that night.....hum where did they go??? See. See...this is what I'm talking about!  Stephanie/Julie/Katie/Whismans/Andy/Julia/Phil/Ember/Amy/Jason....ya'll are the best!

Lastly, I have to say Russell is the man that helped make all of this possible.  Several people commented about how much he took care of me and everything during the trolley night.  He also drove to Boulder and Denver to scout out scooters, he called and researched and test drove the final one.   He never hesitated on finding "the one" for me, no matter what that was!  Russell rubbed my head at 4am when I hadn't slept at all because I was so nervous about passing my motorcycle class.  He picked up Indian for me to enjoy on my birthday.  He took care of the kids and never flinched at the money, when it came to my Denver night.  Russell drove around and finally helped me order my perfect helmet and jacket.  Russell took care of our friends, and trolley tickets, and drinks, and the food I desperately needed on that night.  He lets me dream, and then accomplishes those dreams.  And most of all he continually warms me up when I'm chilly.

I'm a lucky lady in so many ways.  Thank you to you and you and you, and especially you reading this.  No doubt you've made a difference in my life.  Next year I'm inviting you and more....we're going to do it up people.  Because birthdays only come once a year!!!!

Love you all,
Megan