Birthday, Mine

Twenty three years ago, I looked like this:














Now I look more like this: 



















But really, more like this:

So today was my birthday. Actually, it still is my birthday. I have 1.5 hours left to claim any ownership over this day, the twenty-eighth of March. By the way, who came up with the spelling of "eighth?" Its dumb.

Today was an ordinary day with a lot of extra love. For example, I went to the gym, and guess what was playing on the TV in front of one of my favorite ellipticals?  House, one of my favorite shows. Clearly 24 Hour Fitness employees knew it was a special day for me.

Then I went to work and my boss-lady-friend surprised me by having a class of kindergartners sing happy birthday to me. Adorable. They also made me cards.

For those of you who can't read upside down, this one says "DAHLIA YOU ARE NICE AND POLITE," which is so sweet because I've been fishing for compliments on my politeness for weeks..
















My boss-lady-friend also organized a huge surprise birthday card which all the kids signed. Some expressed themselves through words...




















...others, through pictures.





















The kids were all super sweet ("Where can I sign your birthday card?"), but not as sweet as my coworkers, who, after taking me out to tacos and margaritas last night, got me a berry pie and an orchid today!

The day was also peppered with well wishes via every mode of communication: letters (like, real ones), emails, Facebook messages, text messages, and phone calls. I was especially excited to hear from two of my best friends who are in Germany, and in Ecuador (separately, and not at the same time).


After work, I drove over the hill to la casa de mis parents. There I was welcomed by this sign:















And this beautifully-set table:

 
















My mom made an awesome dinner of stuffed eggplants, roasted zucchini, and a fresh salad, with a molten chocolate mini-cake for dessert. After dinner, we watched videos from the day I was born, as if my birthday wasn't self-indulgent enough. Thanks for making me, guys!

An awesome day. Feeling loved, and special.

Obligatory birthday crisis is sure to come. Stay tuned for existential thoughts and questions on mortality.