Tuesday Tunes. ::: Beneath the Brine by The Family Crest :::

Good morning, and happy Tuesday Tunes to you all!

How was your weekend? And what all did you do? When I first started writing this post I started with, "I didn't really do much this weekend", but I ended up erasing it. Because this weekend was busy. 

On Friday I did a lot of chores, cleaned the house, walked around Wash Park, and took down the wonderful birthday decorations that had adorned my walls for the last week. Saturday, I continued my chores by doing what felt like 19 loads of laundry. After major laundry-ing, I went to Vert Kitchen with my friends Sonya and Brendan (and their 5 week old baby boy) for a Birthday Lunch. Vert Kitchen has incredibly fresh ingredients with a European influence. To start, we shared a ridiculously delicious (and Gluten Free!) brownie before our lunches were ready. For lunch, I had the Curry Chicken sandwich and Mexican coke-a-cola (which is obviously the best kind). It was a great birthday lunch! Saturday night, I went to Hacienda Colorado and then to Dave and Buster's with my friends for Kimberly's birthday. We played games for hours and, if given the time, I'm sure I could have spent several more hours playing Skee-Ball and doing the "Red Cup Challenge" (which I basically just Beer Pong, without the beer). When I woke up Sunday morning, I was planning on taking hours to wake up and just being lazy. Instead, I went to the Pearl Street Farmer's Market with several friends who live in the neighborhood. We walked around, sampled and bought food, and then had the arepas of Quiero Arapas. Just thinking about it, is making my mouth water. Then, Sunday afternoon I met with some friends to help plan an upcoming wedding shower for our friend.

Whoof! What a weekend! I'm slightly exhausted. But, doing all of those fun activities (minus the laundry) was somehow energizing as well. I have a new outlook on a couple of things (thanks Juliana!) and I'm ready for the busy week ahead. To help you with the week ahead, I'm presenting "Beneath the Brine" by The Family Crest. I first heard this song on "All Songs Considered" on NPR. I downloaded this song as soon as I got home (I was on one of my marathon walks around the park to reach my 500 Mile Goal) and I've had it on replay for the last week. This song takes so many twists and turns, it should keep you on your toes for the week ahead. Enjoy!

Sunday Funnies. ::: So great, SO GREAT! :::

Good Sunday Morning, my friends! And happy Sunday Funnies to you!

While we were busy celebrating my birthday last weekend, my friend Sarah noticed that I said the words "So Good!" a lot. A whole lot in fact. So much, that she assumed that I had seen a certain SNL video and was quoting it. The truth is, I hadn't seen it. So, while waiting to get into Snooze for a Birthday Brunch, I got to watch this video. 

Obviously my favorite part is when Jimmy Fallon starts laughing so hard that he ducks down to laugh and then regains his composure for the last part of the scene. This skit is (said like Justin Timberlake as Jimmy Fallon) So Great, SO GREAT! 

Birthday Girl.

Because you know me, you also know I love my birthday. Really. I always have, and I always will. I have a child-like excitement for my birthday; the kind of excitement where I can't sleep the night before my the big day. Having a July birthday meant when I was in elementary school, I never got to bring birthday treats on my actual birthday. I did however bring brownies at the end of the year to celebrate my upcoming birthday. Since then, I've brought treats to work (or school) on my birthday to relive those elementary school days. Also, my mom used to make me a Birthday Poster every year. The poster had pictures of all the activities I was into (gymnastics, riding my bike, etc.) and it appeared bright and early the morning of my birthday and I always looked forward to seeing it. I know, it's juvenile, but my birthday is my own personal holiday symbolizing another year I've traveled around the Sun. And I love it!

26th Birthday Celebration- BBQ at Home
(Krystal made that awesome cake and the yummy cupcakes)

27th Birthday Celebration- Drinks Downtown

28th Birthday Celebration- Pedal Hopper

29th Birthday Celebration- 1920's Theme

This year, just a couple of days ago in fact, I turned 30. And before my birthday I wasn't sure I wanted a party. As you can see from the last couple of years, birthday parties are my modus operandi. At one point this year, I didn't even feel like planning a party. This is the first year I can ever remember feeling "blah" about my birthday. But, thankfully, with the help of one of my closest friends, Sarah, I snapped out of my Birthday Ennui (that's what I chose to call it). I have to say, it was her excitement for my birthday that changed my attitude. Sarah wanted to make the trip from California to Colorado just to be here to celebrate with me and she was completely in when I finally came up with a theme.  Her enthusiasm was the best peer pressure to get me out of my Birthday Ennui. Knowing one of my besties wanted to celebrate with me meant I needed (wanted) to show her a good time. And I think the "Dirrrty XXX" Birthday party did just that.

In the end, my Birthday Ennui dissolved and I was able to revel in my juvenile tendencies on my 30th Birthday. I absolutely could not sleep the night before my birthday, due to all of the excitement of turning another year older (which made working the next day a little on the difficult side). I brought in Voodoo Donuts to my coworkers at the hospital in celebration of my birthday. And my sweet friend, Sam, made me a Birthday Poster (like the ones my mom used to make) that I opened on my birthday.

30th Birthday Celebration- Dirrrty XXX
Me (as Xtina) and Sarah (as the Orbit gum lady... "Dirty mouth, clean it up!")

So, I just want to thank you Sarah! And all of my wonderful friends who helped with planning this event, dressed up in a "Dirrrty XXX" costume, and made my last trip around the Sun so spectacular. Without you, this birthday celebration would not have been as amazing as it was. In fact, it wouldn't have happened without you. 

And here's to another trip around the Sun! I'm so excited to see what my 31st Trip Around the Sun brings!

Xoxo!