Life As We Know It: Where 35 Kicks 25's Arse

Remember when I mentioned my 25th birthday party in Sutter Creek, since it was somewhat similar to my sister's 25th birthday party this past August? Well, unlike my sister's 25th, my 25th sucked. We had made big plans to go up to Sutter Creek, make dinner for a bunch of our friends, go to the local bar. But what actually happened is that everyone got way too drunk way too fast (except for me - that was my fatal error), so I was left to make dinner for everyone, find my now-husband when he got lost in an intersection, nurse drunk people, etc. In hindsight, I think I had set these expectations about how the evening was supposed to turn out, and when that didn't happen - well, it unraveled for me.

Now, 10 years later, it was time to plan something for my 35th. And this one turned out perfect.

The difference this time has to do with age. Being ten years older, being a mom of two children, being a wife, a boss - all of this has changed me. I am confident, I am content, I have surrounded myself with people who are true friends. I didn't need to set any expectations about how the evening was going to go. Knowing that I was with people I love was enough for me.

Shawna labeled this birthday card, which I thought was perfect!

The best part is that for the first time in a long time, I had all of my bestie girlfriends with me (with the exception of my little sister who was stuck in San Diego). Sarah, Morgan, Shawna and Kate were all there to celebrate my big day. That was the best birthday present of all! Of course we also had their significant others, my awesome husband, my great little brother Leo, and our friends Justin and Randy who joined us at the last minute.

We celebrated with dinner at Ten22 in Old Sacramento, a quick stop at the Shady Lady bar, finished with a couple hours at Club 2Me where we monopolized the shuffle board table. We finally rolled home at 2:30 in the morning.

Two special mentions: we had an anonymous benefactor who paid for dinner for our entire group. I have some suspicions on who it may have been, but regardless - a very HUGE thank you to whoever sponsored our dinner - that was a very cool surprise! Second, my brother did a totally awesome thing and offered to be our designated driver for the evening. He didn't even have one drink, and he delivered us all home safely at the end of the night. Leo, you are amazing for doing that for us!

In all, my 35th birthday exceeded any expectations I had for a birthday. I am so blessed to have these friends in my life. This birthday made up for that 25th birthday so long ago.

I will say, 35 requires more time to recover from a hangover than 25 did.

Here are iPhone photos from the evening (my large Nikon camera just didn't go with my outfit):