I'm not a dime. I'm a quarter!

of a century!!! Come Monday. A real update though for the past week-ish:

Last Saturday was my one year anniversary with Patrick. Instructions for anniversary were: no presents & we will make a card for each other. We went out to dinner at H.K. on the Bay and he initiated conversation about what we enjoyed about the last year. I told this to Kelly and she goes, "boo, you got a good one." Honestly, I don't know any men that like processing relationships and growth. I think I may have gotten a golden egg. I'm a lucky lady. And just in case you're wondering, his cards are better than any Hallmark card. I recommend doing this in anyone's next relationship event-Valentines Day, birthdays, anniversaries. The creativity factor and personalization make magic. Not to get too gushy, I am so blessed to have such a great man in my life that is my very best friend. His creativity, passion, black-beltness, humor, and lack of cooking skills bless my heart on a daily basis. Gives me misty eyes just thinkin' bout it.

The next day I threw Katherine's baby shower for little Noah. I must say, it was really stressful because my sister is really stressful. If she were calm, it would have been fine. She's not. So she called and texted every day within two weeks of the shower to ask "the plan" and check in on details. Eeeeevvvvvvvvvvvvvverrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy (think Sandlot) day. Even at 8 AM on the day of the shower. BUT Sarah, you say, you know how to handle difficult people. BUT this is my sister and I have no ethical obligation to treat her with unconditional positive regard (UPR). SO. She irritated me to pieces. The shower turned out beautifully though. My sister walked in and just kept saying, "oh my gosh! it's so cute!". That made me smile. Every chair in my house was taken and my coffee maker turned out at least three different pots of coffee for the guests. I got great hugs from previous work mothers/grandmothers. Some of these people I haven't seen since 2006/2007, so it was delightful to see them and talk. It was like everyone fell back into their old places with each other, it lasted at least three hours. Succccccccccessssssssssssss.

This past week I have had rough work situations that create a new level of stress for me. I know that difficult work situations are excellent training, but I did not sign up for that. And I would never willingly do that, so I get it. Ok. I get it. Fine... Here's a song I've listened to and that has ministered to my heart while I've been freaking out:

It's my birthday weekend. My mother has utilized March as her Birthday Month. Every day a celebration and opportunity for presents and delicious food. My mother is funny. Most things are cause for celebration with her and I like to live my life like this. My dad says I take after my mother in this respect. I tried a week long birthday celebration last year and I was straight up exhausted after a week of birthday gaggles. This year I'm doing a weekend trial run of birthday. Here's to hoping it goes well.

Side note story: I saw my niece yesterday and have found out a few interesting facts: she likes to play with my parents nativity set. She won't let them put it away with the other Christmas items. She plays with all the animals, baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph... She has an imaginary friend named Marcus and she uses her iPod as her cell phone like Aunt Sarah. Her hair gets knotted like mine used to and she has the best imagination. Boy, I love that kid.

Side side note story: I put two bouquets of daffodils in Patrick's house.... here's to seeing if he notices/likes it.