Birthday surprises

Yesterday was my birthday. Being on the shady side of 35 now, a birthday doesn't hold the same magic it used to. But I was still excited because, after all, it was my birthday. My mother-in-law gave me a card the night before that said, "Hope your birthday is full of surprises." Now, I'm not saying it was her fault, but it was definitely not the birthday I had conjured up in my mind. And next year, no surprises please.

Surprise #1
I woke up to snow. Yes, the date is correct- it was April 16th and two days earlier it was a balmy 80 degrees out.

Surprise #2
This one should probably be at the top of the list, because it slightly overshadows the other. I backed into the garage door as it was completing it's ascent to the ceiling and rendered it uncloseable when I was leaving to pick up Jared from swimming. I also scratched the top of our car, that we bought last December.

No surprise #1
I was hysterical . I called Ryan and told him what I had done and then pretty much hung up on him. I picked up Jared from swimming, crying and embarrassed. He, of course, being such a sensitive soul, asked me what was wrong and if he could do anything to help. I told him, "Only if you can turn back time." He said, "When I'm older I''ll invent a time machine and go back and not let you break the door. And while I'm at it I'll go back to the first time you asked me if I wanted to take piano lessons and say 'no'."

No surprise #2
True to his nature, Ryan was very understanding and kind when he got home. He wrote me a sweet birthday card and even stopped at the bakery and got a cake. He then tried to shut the garage, and it almost fell onto the car, popping the rivets and tracks on both sides. It was bent, and in truly bad shape.

Surprise #3
Ryan and Jared used their mad skills and fixed the garage door! Don't think I didn't have faith in them, but you should have seen the door. Okay, maybe I didn't think they could do it. But I had just gotten over the hysterical stage and was now in the morose, unproductive I-can't-believe-I'm-so-stupid, nothing-will-ever-be-pleasant-again stage. I probably wouldn't have believed Mr. Fixit could have repaired that thing. I cleaned the basement as a self-inflicted punishment while they worked on the garage door.

No surprise #3
Many of my friends and family remembered my day and called or sent a card or a fun gift. And my wonderful friends cheered me up during the sub-zero soccer game that Rachel played in. Thanks friends- you know who you are! I needed it.

Surprise #4
Rachel got me a Jane Austen action figure for my present. It is so cool. She has a writing desk and a quill pen and everything!

Surprise #5
Sarah, Maren, and Ryan got me a CHI, which is very difficult for me to use, since I've been hair-styling impaired for most of my life. (I didn't grow any hair til I was 3, so that doesn't count). I need professional lessons (Sara H.- hint hint). The only helpful thing in the owners manual was safety item #7- Never use while sleeping. I might be able to comply with that.

Surprise #6
My cute laurel girls threw me a surprise party for young women's activity a couple of weeks ago (well, it was a surprise when it happened)- in place of the planned service project. It was much more fun to have pizza and watch American Idol. We took pictures, but I still need to get them from Shantel.

No surprise #4
The chocolate drape cake from Schmidt's bakery was really yummy and I'm going to have another piece today.

Surprise #7
My awesome sister Carol wrote a tribute to me on her blog last night (check it out at www.blatterfamily.blogspot.com). I have never been so flattered and only wish I was truly deserving of her praise. By the way, we're having barbie legs for dinner tonight!