My Next Thirty Years

I had a fun filled birthday weekend beginning on Friday afternoon when I got the biggest surprise from my longest friend, Paula.  She flew from NYC just for my birthday, how special is that?  You seriously could not make a better person than her, so selfless.  Josh had planned lunch with me at my favorite restaurant in DSM, Splash, and after Josh arrived in pops Paula!  I could not believe it!  It was so nice to have her here at my home, so she could spend a few days in my world.  After lunch we stopped by the PD so Josh could give us {her} a tour and then we stopped by my office before being off until Tuesday afternoon after Paula's departure (tear).

That night I had planned on going out to dinner with a few of my very best friends, so it worked out perfectly for Paula to be there.  We ate at Trostel's Dish and it was delish!  We followed up by going out to a couple country bars to end the night!

The following night was another surprise.  Josh really did an amazing job for my birthday {love him}.  I knew I was going to go out to eat with my family, but he had a few of my friends there as well!  We had an amazing dinner at AJ's Steakhouse and followed up the night with some gambling.  It was so fun because my grandmother, mother and I were all sitting at the same blackjack table so everyone at Prairie Meadows thought that was pretty darn cool (as did I).  My mom, Kendra and Corey stayed out until 3am!  But not to worry, I ended up winning.  Josh and Nick had a blast playing Craps and we also played a few slots.  A fun night for everyone.

The next day Paula, my mom and I headed to the Junk Jubilee.  There were so many cool vendors there!  I got a vintage Coach purse, gifts for my brother and grandma; Paula got a fur and my mom got a few things as well. 

That night Paula and I made fish tacos for everyone and they were amazing!  Bo and Vallery by this point are convinced that Paula is here to stay and Vallery has officially named Paula "Lala". 

 

 

We finished up the trip with a target run, lunch at Barrata's, dinner at Django, and a shopping trip to Raygun.  I thoroughly enjoyed her company and was so excited that she was able to take a walk in my life for a bit.  We will miss you Lala!  See you at Christmas!

I was a little nervous about turning the big 3-0, but I am ready to take on my next thirty years full speed ahead.  My twenties gave me Josh, my two children, and more enlightenment than I ever thought possible.  I now know that I am never going to please everyone or be friends with everyone and that is OK.  I have come to peace with some issues that I have had over the years and become a happier more positive person in general.  I have learned to surround myself with people who are positive and believe in me.  It is a fantastic feeling!  Cheers to my next thirty years!