happy 23rd birthday, me :)

Happy.  A feeling I did feel today.  A lot :) 

Birthdays are my favorite!  I enjoy celebrating these special days for all of the wonderful people in my life.  And this year, for my own birthday, I was definitely sad knowing I'd be spending it without my favorite people.  But the chapter here at UTenn did such a wonderful job still making me feel special! 

I started my day with brunch with former Purdue Fraternity/Sorority adviser, Lindi Smedberg, who actually wrote one of my recommendations for this CDC job!  She now works for UT and was a sweetheart and took me to a yummy brunch at a local Knoxville restaurant.  The day was gorgeous here, 60 degrees and sunny!  The campus is near a river so I was able to go for a long run, something I miss a lot in this job.  It felt so good to exercise!!  I spent the most of my afternoon catching up with dear friends & family, I really had one phone call after another which made me feel very special.  I got lots of cards, packages, and even cupcakes from friends & family...I felt so spoiled!  It meant so much to me that these wonderful people sent these wishes all the way to TN just for me!

Cupcakes sent from Michelle and Lauren!

The chapter made reservations at a local restaurant, The Copper Cellar, and I had a great turkey burger!  Definitely not the same as my homemade birthday dinner I can always request at home, but still pretty good :)  Then, we went to the chapter suite for an officer meeting.  Much to my surprise, the chapter had decorated the room and brought out a cake with candles as they sang me "Happy Birthday".  I got a little teary eyed as I blew out the candles.  Sounds cheesy, but this truly is such a beautiful example of Delta Gamma sisterhood.  These women barely knew me, yet still made me feel so special on this day.  I will forever remember this group of women for their amazing hospitality and thoughtfulness on my birthday!

As I reflect on this day, I realize I am not officially 23 and have lots of changes coming in this year!  Thoughts of my next life phase consume me daily.  Not knowing what I will be doing when my travels end in May gives me anxiety...but it is also refreshing knowing I get a new start to life soon!  God brought me to this job and I know He will lead me to the next.  I have a good feeling about this year!  I pray its filled with more adventures, unknowns, new friends, challenges, hope and happiness :)  Thank you to all those who make this life so great! 

My cake and giant card!



At my birthday party!  With the president, Emily :)