I celebrated my 38th birthday yesterday!

It’s a little trippy to think that I wrote my first birthday recap on my blog 11 years ago on June 17, 20210 when I was turning 27! Look at my sweet Sullie girl. She was just three years old. <3

My 38th birthday couldn’t have been more different than my 27th but it was a great day and  one of the best birthdays I’ve had in several years. I spent a few days in Winston-Salem with friends.

I woke up on Wednesday to a great surprise…an email from Amanda James Photography that Finn’s three year photos were ready. I can’t wait to share more with you.

I wanted to start my day with a run. I have a long-standing tradition of doing something active on my birthday. I’m not attached to what that has to be – yoga, running, a hike, whatever – I just like to move my body in celebration of my health and another year here.

I ran a little over four miles. I was blessed with the most incredible weather for my birthday. After weeks of hot, humid, and on/off stormy days, we had a front move through that brought lower temperatures and humidity.

After my run, I mobile ordered my free birthday drink from Starbucks. I worked on my laptop for about an hour and a half, mostly answering emails, and then logged off for an afternoon of relaxation.

I sat by the pool from 1-5p and it was the best ever. It can be difficult for me to unplug like this on a weekday but I soaked up the relaxation and quality time.

I even indulged in a post-lunch glass of wine and it was perfection.

I was a little sad that I wouldn’t see Finn on my birthday (he’s always with his dad on Wednesdays) but I loved receiving photos and videos from his nanny with happy birthday messages. 🙂

My sweet dog sitter also sent birthday wishes from my fur children. 🙂

I had dinner with friends at Bernardins. It’s my favorite restaurant in Winston and the patio that they’ve built in the COVID year is gorgeous. We enjoyed bubbles, wine, shared apps and entrees before I was surprised with two cakes! A carrot cake from my favorite Winston bakery, Lavender and Honey and a vanilla cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Given that I’m on team “alllllll the cake,” I couldn’t have dreamed of a better end to the evening. And Finn was very excited about the leftover cake that I brought home.

I arrived home today to this gorgeous bouquet of flowers from my grandmother. They smell so delightful and light up the whole room! Purple is my favorite color so she nailed it with this arrangement.

I called my grandmother tonight while Finn was in the tub to catch her up on my birthday festivities. She asked how it felt being 38 and I told her that my overwhelming feeling was gratitude. I am so grateful for the chance to do another year, for my health and for the abundance of love and blessings in my life.

QUESTIONS

How do you like to celebrate your birthday? 

What are you most grateful for right now? 

Cake or flowers? (I know that’s a hard one and not fair but…)