3-0 arrived

I had no idea what to expect my actual birthday experience to be...but I loved it! The celebrations began as soon as I entered the school building. Some of the most fabulous parents ever had already decorated my classroom with streamers, balloons, treats, and flowers. The kids loved the fact that they also put a balloon on my car, which the 3rd graders showed to every person that entered the classroom that day. :)

Later, when I had temporarily refocused the students to learning...in walked Chrissy and Lori! I'm fairly certain some of the first words out of my mouth were, "Why are you not at work?". The sweet girls had brought flowers, index cards and stickers for the students to make "birthday notes" for me, and possibly most importantly to the little ones, was the cookies and punch. The party continued...

It was a very laid back day when I truly got to enjoy my class. We had a great time together! One of the highlights for them (and me) was that I allowed them to be in charge of the still camera and new video camera. They were delighted to have this opportunity! The day was documented through the eyes of 8 and 9 year olds. Gems shone through their silliness with sincere moments of appreciation and love.

After lunch, the fabulous parents came back for further festivities. This time they catered cupcakes, water, presents, and a special cake for me. A candle was even lit for the special birthday song. I seized the birthday opportunity to jet away from school early. It's amazing how much longer the afternoon/evening is when you don't leave work at 5-6 o'clock.

Later, Ashley and I ventured down to Downtown Dallas for an evening on the town. I had studied the layout of the area and planned better escape routes since our last drive on Commerce St. This one was much less dramatic, a relief! We had reservations at Fuse, a chic, upscale Tex-Asian restaurant. It had already been determined that we would take advantage of every aspect of this dining experience...and we did! Luxurious appetizers, entrees, and drinks were followed by TWO desserts! It wouldn't have been an authentic Ashley and Jennifer time without a good story...

Between our main course and the first dessert...a random guy wandered onto the rooftop patio where we were enjoying our "classy, single, 20-30 something girls night out". Apparently, we were the only seemingly approachable table because soon he had pulled up a chair and begun to talk TO us. Notice I didn't say "engage us in conversation". Within his first three audible sentences we realized that this was not someone who we wanted to hang out. However, due to various variables in his life, he did not pick up on our social cues...but the wait staff did. Thankfully! After a short exchange of body language and signals, they swooped in and whisked him away. It was a rhythmic operation. Clearly, not the first time they had maintained the desirable elements.

The 2nd dessert with the birthday candle

Another intriguing aspect of Fuse is the restrooms. I now understand why some people have fascinations with investigating the facilities. I need to expand my repertoire of dining locations, because the really great ones have restrooms with a story!

Once I arrived back home, Seth and I talked for hours wrapping up a wonderful day.

It was perfect! The best birthday ever!