21st First Half

Posted by Nicole

Yes… I’m blogging on my birthday. My best friend is showering right now and I’m bored. It seems like the perfect time to recap all the fun that has happened since yesterday afternoon. PS- Big thanks to my sister for the cute birthday post!

At 5:45 last night, my mom picked me up from the airport. We drove home in the crazy wind/rain. With that weather I sure felt welcomed back to the Bay Area :)

We made a quick family dinner- veggie stirfry and pasta. Nice and simple. We also popped champagne and I had my first sip of alcohol everrrrrr ;)

I had plans of going out for a drink at midnight, but decided it would be better to get rest and save the craziness for tonight. Lauren and I snacked on Nutella and read blogs and it was perfect. I went to bed right after midnight and Lauren stayed up decorating.

I woke up at 7:15 (way before my alarm oops) and was greeted by her beautiful display of decorations! Purple is my all-time favorite color and Lauren decorating appropriately.

I even had a selection of hat choices. I think I’m going to rock the tiara tonight. Gotta live it up ’cause you can only be a birthday diva once a year, right?

My mom and David had some leftover oatmeal on the stove so I helped myself. Oatmeal and crunchy PB fueled my morning workout.

I ran 5.5 miles and walked the rest of the hour.  I actually pushed myself and did 5 incline sets (incline 5% and speed 6.0 mph for a minute each). I also got my speed up to 7.3… that sure hasn’t happened in a while. It was a great, albeit sweaty, way to start my birthday.

Back at home, I grabbed Starbucks with Lauren and made breakfast #2 from our chicken’s eggs and some spinach.

After a quick shower, I went to pick up my best friend Jessi. She flew in this morning from Arizona and I’m so happy that her spring break magically aligns with my birthday weekend. She’s my number 1 partner in crime and couldn’t imagine celebrating without her!

We drove to the grocery store so I could make my first legal alcohol purchase and so we could stock up on some Red Bulls. She woke up at 4 for her flight and I got up at 7… we need the sustenance for later.

Then we browsed TJ Maxx cause I really wanted to find this spice mix, but they didn’t have it.

Jessi suggested La Victoria’s for some burritos and I was definitely game. Their house-made orange sauce is heavenly. It takes mexican food to a whole ‘nother level.

I ate my veggie burrito “open” style and poured allllllllll the sauce on. SO GOOD.

While we were stuffing our faces, my really good friend Madeleine texted me and asked if we could meet up. I know Madeleine from our high school dance team and I always love a chance to catch up with her.  Despite our couple year age difference, we get along extremely well. Jessi, Madeleine, and I chatted for about two hours and I somehow downed a large coffee with a shot of espresso. I’m riding the caffeine train today. Woo!

Now Jessi and I are getting ready for my birthday dinner in downtown Los Gatos. It’s going to be a big crowd (14 people!) and I can’t wait for tonight’s festivities. Time to get ready!

- Nicole