I get excited for my birthday every year. It’s my day and I love it! In recent years, I’ve lost a bit of that spark for my birthday and stopped being excited and caring about plans. It became just another day, but at the same time it wasn’t, because it was so apparent to me that it was my birthday and I still felt so down. But this year I’ve been doing better, and I was on a mission to finally enjoy my birthday again. And it was a good one this year.
I was born on April 8, and the night before, my boyfriend spent the night. Even though he has very early mornings for work, he stayed up to make sure he could be the first one to say “Happy birthday” right at midnight. On that night, I also discovered that not only had he devoted time to thoroughly pick out a gift for me, but that he’d also made a reservation at a nicer restaurant for the two of us the week before! I haven’t had a boyfriend on my birthday since I was in high school, so seeing this effort from someone I haven’t been official with for very long was so heartwarming. I went to bed a very happy and excited woman.
That morning, I decided to take the day and skip out on my classes so I could go shopping. I had no idea what I wanted to wear that night to dinner, so obviously, that meant I needed to go buy a new dress. Something pretty and nice, but not overdone. I got a coffee and croissant, and a super cute off-white linen dress that fell just below my knees. I even bought new underwear, because why not? I bought myself a dainty gold watch, because why not? I was determined to look good, feel good, and actually be good this time around. When I got back from spending too much money, I gave my parents a call and we chatted for a bit. Normally, I’d be opening whatever they sent me with them on the phone right there, but even as I am writing this, my gift still hasn’t arrived. Here’s to hoping that it didn’t get lost in the mail.
In order to both look and feel good, I needed a 45 minute everything-shower, followed by an intense makeup application session, and some vigorous hair drying. I wanted to look amazing! I wanted to look good for myself, and for my birthday, and for my man, and for the restaurant! I was ready to leave over an hour before we actually had to because I was that excited. He came over a little early, and I answered the door to see him wearing dress pants and a button up. I was so nervous that I overdid it and looked too nice, but seeing him dressed up too made me melt into a puddle right there on the floor. And he looked so good. So unbelievably good. He gave me my gift, a beautiful Kendra Scott locket with multiple gem stones to place into it, and of course, I immediately put it on, and we headed out for dinner.
He had kept the restaurant a surprise, and we pulled into the parking lot of a winery! Cooper’s Hark Winery & Restaurant, to be more specific. We had cocktails and wine, some table bread, and two very delicious entrees followed by a free crème brûlée for my birthday (he had specifically asked if they would give any treats for one’s birthday, and this crème brûlée was simply amazing). I still wanted ice cream though, and he took me to get some right after. Since my roommate had worked all day, we spent the rest of the night chatting with her in our living room. We cracked open some beers and finished off the night with a few laughs and giggles. It was a perfect night. I wish it were my birthday every day, because I’d do anything to have another night like this one. I’ve never had a guy make me feel so special and seen and appreciated, especially on my birthday. It was perfect.
A few days later, on that Saturday, I had planned a night out with all the girls! Since I’m horrible at planning, there wasn’t really a formulated plan until Saturday morning. Everyone could come at whatever time they wished, but I wanted to leave my apartment to head out no later than 8:30 p.m. Everyone was here by about six, and we had enough time to get a little pre-game in and decide on outfits, and by 8:30, we were ready to go and ordered the Uber. I felt fabulous that night, in a strapless asymmetrical top that cinched at the waist, with a black mini skirt and knee-high black boots, and a black pleather jacket.
We started off at the Graduate Rock Bar, where we got a few fun drinks, jello shots, and some great rooftop views of East Lansing and campus. However, it was early April, and we got cold pretty quickly. We lasted a bit over an hour before we decided to move to our next location, which was Crunchy’s. The two are essentially right next to each other and Crunchy’s had karaoke! We got food, a few more drinks, and I sang “What The Hell” by Avril Lavigne with my wonderfully brave friend Camille. We spent a couple hours there and quickly popped over to Pinball Pete’s to take pictures in the photo booth, then took an Uber home. The night came to a close, and we all sat together the next morning, coffee in hand, and recounted the night and shared photos and videos. Another perfect night, but this time with the girls I love most!
I feel like I had two birthday parties. One with my wonderful and sweet boyfriend, and one with my cherished and steadfast friends. I feel so lucky. I have so many people in my life who really care about me, and that was made so apparent by everyone I was with. It truly was the happiest birthday yet.