My 30th Birthday | Part 1

So I'm finally getting around to sharing some pics from my birthday with you all. This weekend was a whirlwind of excitement that started on Friday. First, I wanted to preface this with a little fact about myself. I usually cry on my birthday every year. I get really weird, and feel like no one loves me (over dramatic much?!) and I'm always upset about something. I call it the summer birthday syndrome. Anyone who has a summer birthday can feel me on this one. We were the kids that never got to bring in cupcakes to school, and everyone was always away on vacation when your birthday rolled around. I kid you not, most summer birthday people suffer from this syndrome. Me being the dramatic one, suffers greatly.

With 30 approaching, I was worried for an imminent meltdown. And D knows this about me. So what does he do? He surprises me by flying out one of my best friends from Nashville to stay for the weekend. I haven't seen her in over a year since she moved, so this surprise was epic! Especially when D is known not to be able to keep secrets (and I love him for that!) 

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So here's the story:

He took me out for a pre-birthday dinner just the two of us on Friday night and while we were sitting there he goes, "so why couldn't Lauren make it for your birthday? She should be here?" while I reply "Because she lives in Nashville, and I know flights are expensive....I understand." D follows with, "That's BS! If she's a good friend she would be here!!" -- and I'm thinking, why is he hating on Lauren so bad??

And then I hear a familiar voice sitting next to me, "yeah, why wouldn't I be here?" 

and it was Lauren...sitting right next to me. WHAT?! mind blown. I felt like I was in the movie Inception and completely shocked and confused.

D pulled off the surprise of the century. 

10 million points for him. 

And that's why I love him so much : )

{chalkboard wall got the birthday makeover, which served as the backdrop for many photo ops}

30 is the new 20. Right?

my philly girls Lauren and Lorraine <3

me and my cutie. Love this guy so much.

kisses for the bday girl.

The night consisted of dinner at a local hibachi restaurant (love interactive dinners!) followed by VIP table and bottle service at Chandelier Room at The W Hotel in Hoboken. 

my "go-to" girl : )

pledge sisters.

sorority sisters -- AOII love : )

sparklers and mayhem and vodka.....oh my!

until this happens and you almost burn your fingers off!!

me and LZ with the empire state in between us.

my other philly girl sharon aka shar-town. 

shar-town philly back again..... (catch the song reference there?)

classic bathroom shots.

we were on the rooftop smoking electric hookahs (don't worry, there's no nicotine, only flavored water vapor!) and some of the photos came out pretty funny. Add some black and white and film grain filters and we look like a bunch of NYC club kids.

Far from it.....we're all teachers. Well, me in a past life.

I had such an amazing time surrounded by friends, and I have to thank D for putting together one heck of a party and making this day so fun, and so special for me. Not once did I feel sad, shed a tear, or worry about who wasn't there -- but rather who WAS there, right by my side. Is it possible I've cured the summer birthday syndrome??

So cheers to 30 and making this the best year yet! : )

xo Steph