brilliant birthdays are the BEST

I love my birthday!

I love it because it's always in spring when things are turning green and beautiful again--flowers blooming and trees laced with baby leaves and blossoms. And usually it's bright, warm, and sunny too.

Sometimes I get a gift or two, but those aren't the things that make my birthday so special. Almost everybody who means anything to me talks to me. Friends and family members call me. I get cards and letters. I get hugs and people sing me songs.

Plus it never falls on a Fast Sunday even though it's at the beginning of the month. Thank you General Conference! I really enjoyed the morning session today.

I bought myself a birthday present this afternoon. I think it's the only thing I'll buy for myself for the rest of this year. So the next time I think about going on a spending splurge or spontaneous shopping spree, I'll remember what I bought for myself today and I'm pretty sure I'll get a huge grin on my face be okay with not spending any money, because it was worth it.



I'm so stoked!!! It's not quite even two years old, originally $1600 (and I'm not admitting what I paid for it, though it was quite a bit less than that!). The girl I bought it from had gotten it summer before last because her boyfriend was really into biking. Then they broke up and she hasn't touched it since. It's still in great condition and everything. While I was looking at it and trying to figure out why I shouldn't buy it, her mom decided to throw in her bike helmet, biking gloves, and extra tire tubes as well. Then she said, "If I could find those bike shoes she used I'd give them to you too..." I got my checkbook out of the car and traded that slip of paper for my beautiful 'new' bike.

Then we met up with my dad and had a nice lunch at the Cheesecake Factory in Nashville. It was DELICIOUS. I seriously have no words for how good that food was. I got a grilled chicken and avocado bacon sandwich and loved every bite of it along with my huge glass of raspberry lemonade. Our waiter was flirting with all the girls he waited on, and he made no exception for me. In fact, when he found out it was my birthday it got even better. I wound up with a succulent slice of white chocolate and caramel macadamia nut cheesecake for dessert--my birthday cake. Then our waiter forgot to put a candle in it, so he brought me a little ice cream fudge sundae topped with whipped cream and a candle, brought a few other waiters with him, and they all sang happy birthday to me. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I got home finally and rode my bike. Oh, it was amazing! I knew it was love at first sight, but I love her even more now! She needs a name... Any suggestions? I think I have to ride her more to figure out what she'll be called. I've been wanting to buy a bike anyway, so this works out perfectly. I'm so getting my ripped, muscular legs back!

Anyone wanna go for a bike ride?