Twenty-six. Officially late twenties. Eeps! I'm blessed with so many lovely people in my life who made a four-day birthday weekend totally JAM-tastic!
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| June Birthday Babes :) |
During the day on Friday I spent time with my Mom doing some much needed retail therapy. We hit Crocker Park where I found 2 fabulous birthday dresses and some stellar accessories to fit the birthday mood. Then we popped into
Vieng's Asian Bistro. I got a super legit vegetarian crunch roll (asparagus, avocado, cream cheese, wrapped with rice and deep friend in tempura batter) semi healthy...right? Calories don't count during birthday meals :)
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| Centering myself |
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| Mama and me |
Later that evening I tried out
Market in Rocky River for the first time. Adorable place, great atmosphere and extensive craft beer and cocktail list. It was girls only and it was exactly the fun and laughter I needed to kiss 25 goodbye.
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| Lovelies left to right: Jenna, T.A. Regi, Donna, Gina, Kayla & Catie |
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| Yes, our drinks glowed in the dark!!! |
There was an AWESOME jazz band playing and all the girls and I hit the dance floor. Thankfully, I don't think there are any pictures as proof, but it was pretty hilarious/amazing/fun/cathartic. My gf also snuck over and whispered to the lead singer it was my birthday and soon enough the band and entire club were singing me happy birthday. It was very sweet, embarrassing and special. Did I mention how much I love my friends :) I am one lucky gal!
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| Thanks for making my night special, girls! xoxo |
After saying so long to 25, Saturday rolled around to welcome in 26. The sun peaked through in the afternoon and I decided to mosey down to
Whiskey Island & Wendy Park for some sunshine seaside fun. I really love this place during the summer--laid back, low maintenance, access to the water, great views of the city, and live music.
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| Double thumbs up to birthday fun, kick ass sunnies, and wonderful friends! |
I received so many thoughtful gifts, well wishes, emails, cards, phone calls, texts,& posts that I couldn't help but have an ear-to-ear grin all day long! I'm feeling the love! Consider this my thank you to each and everyone of you who made my entire day/weekend terrific!
After Whiskey Island we decided to check out
pARTy in Gordon Square. Gordon Square is one of my favorite neighborhoods in CLE--
great food, chill vibe, emerging artists, Happy Dog, Capitol Theatre & CPT. There is always something fun happening there! Well consider this a mega block party showcasing all the arts & activities in the area.
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| Evan and I bringing our creative comic book characters to life |
One of the activities was to make your own comic book character. Naturally, my super hero was named "Birthday Girl!"
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| Birthday Girl here to save the city and keep JAMmin! |
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| Angry Asisan Carp taking over!!! |
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| Awesome superhero outfit... |
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| T.A Evan and I with our alter superhero-egos |
Then we were greeted with the awwwwesome surprise of
Last Call Cleveland performing. Please tell me you've seen these guys perform before. Literally pee-your-pants, good, true Clevelander jokes. I've probably seen them half a dozen times and it's always a bit different, and more Cleveland jokes and fun.
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| Pet peeve: Your v/s you're haha |
I couldn't think of a better combination of events and getting to laugh my face off with friends.
After all the fun festivities I finished up the birthday celebrations on Sunday morning with the family as we went to
Nighttown's brunch. Great patio, great memories, great food.
What a fabulous weekend of friends, family, fun, and festivities. Despite having a rough few weeks, the ones I love rallied around me and helped me count my blessings and feel the love. So thank you, thank you for all that you do. Cheers to 26! And keep JAMmin!
