33

I have been looking forward to my 33rd birthday for a while. Everyone has a bad year in their life. Mind you, I am only 33, so I have many more years to go. But, 32 was my worst year so far. I lost the most important, most loved person in my life, a relationship I cared about deeply ended, and for over half of the year, I was very unhappy with my lifestyle due to my job. Some things have definitely started to turn around (especially on the job front), but in general I was WAY over 32.

My day was just wonderful. I never thought that Facebook could make me feel so happy, but the messages on there totally uplifted me starting last night. My friends near and far texted me all day. Bethanne and T Bone called from France. Then, my amazing company gave me a birthday gift and people I work with did little things all day. I left work early and treated myself to some pampering, and then it was time for my favorite part of the day- dinner with the girls!

My mom is always so great at planning birthday parties for us at her house, as you have seen on blogs of the past. However, I really wanted a "girls night" for my birthday this year. People who have been supportive, trustworthy and just good friends and family. We went to Grovewood Tavern in Cleveland, and I loved every minute of it. Even though I didn't want gifts, you can bet that every person showed up with something in tow that put a smile on my face. My mom went out of her way to make sure I still had the "Carol Ann Birthday Touch" with napkins, a gift table, cupcakes, and so much more. She is really the best!

I cannot express in words how appreciative I am to have these girls in my life. They, along with everyone else who contacted me today, really made me have a positive perspective headed into my 33rd year!