My 29th Birthday…

I started celebrating the big 2-9 the Tuesday before my birthday with a dinner at Texas De Brazil with my mother and brother.  I have never been to a Brazilian restaurant before, and may I just say there is so much food.  SO SO MUCH FOOD.  I have never felt so full, but it was delicious.   

My 29th birthday was on a Saturday and happened to coincide with the Sudan Footrace, a 5K that benefited e3 Sudan and the Seed Effect.  I don’t know what I was thinking, but I decided it would be fun to wake up early and get a group of girls together to walk the 5k.  Crazy… I know.

My small group girls: Parker, Lauren, me, Sam

Shawn, me, Angie, and Vicky

Me, Katie, Sarah, and Janet

Thank you girls for coming out and walking with me!  I had a great time and felt good supporting two great ministries. 

The night of my birthday we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Torchy Tacos.  Oh how I love their queso. 

My amazingly talented friend Tiffany made me a beautiful cake for my birthday.  It was delicious (as always)… Did I mention she is talented? 

After dinner we headed to Family Karaoke so I could cross something off of my 30 by 30 list and conquer one of my greatest fears.  More to come about Karaoke later.  It disserves it’s own post.  

My thoughts on my 29th birthday:  It was hard, but I survived my first birthday without my dad.  I missed him all day; but I miss him every day. I wanted to hear his voice tell him me happy birthday and that he loved me. I don’t question how much he loved me; I know it with every fiber of my being, but I really missed hearing it. Throughout the day, I was at once happy and yet my heart ached. I was struck by how deeply loved I am by so many people. Somehow, missing my father gave me a greater appreciation everyone else’s love. I received text messages, calls, facebook messages and so many of my friends came out to celebrate with me. I felt so very blessed despite my sadness. On the whole, I had a great day full of love and laugher. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me throughout the day.  You helped me survive and enjoy my first milestone day.