My Birthday was bangin'! (That's what she said)

Before I get into the weekend wrap-up, I have to say "THANK YOU!"to everyone who left all of those super sweet birthday wishes for me over the weekend! Thanks for swinging by and checking out my 27 favorite blogs; I hope you visited them and found some new reads that you'll be following regularly! 

I'm now going to answer the #1 question, "What did you do for your birthday?"

Thursday evening (my B-day Eve), my husband and I went to our very last Ohio Bobcat home football game - it was the last home game of the season, and our last visit to Peden Stadium. I was a little bit emotional... the Bobcats played a fantastic game and won, I watched the Marching 110 perform their amazing field show for the last time, and found myself reflecting on football seasons past. It was a cold, cozy game full of excitement for the present and anticipation for the future; when I let myself wonder "what stadium will I be sitting in next year?", I got a little teary-eyed. I grew to love Ohio, and for that I'm so thankful - it's been a great place to be. I am, however, ready for the next place (more on my husband's job market adventure in a later post.)

Friday was totally bananas-awesome-Birthday-riffic! My morning started off with ultra-caffeinated gifts from co-workers: 2 large bags of m&ms (one dark chocolate, one milk chocolate), and a Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks, which happened to be my very first one ever.  I'm in L-U-V.  I was bouncing off the walls the entire day, and by the end I was completely exhausted, but the coffee & m&ms were a fun birthday experience.  I don't think my body can ever take that again!

My husband and I had dinner out at a local Italian restaurant, Abrios Brick Oven.  I also spent a Bath & Body Works gift card (gift from my mother-in law!) and bought a ridiculous amount of 3-wick candles, hand soaps, and wallflowers. The bag was ridiculously heavy.  My hubs ended the day by giving me the exact things I wished for - a DQ Ice Cream Cake, an Ohio Bobcat Snuggie, and The Office Seasons 5 & 6 on DVD! Yeah, no mushy birthday gifts for me - I like what I like and want what I want.  What I wanted  was an Office marathon for my birthday, and that's exactly what I got - only it lasted most of the weekend! I eventually took a break from Dwight Shrute to go on a little shopping spree on Saturday, courtesy of my in-laws who spoiled me with American Eagle and Victoria's Secret gift cards (I totally still think American Eagle jeans are the bomb! If you disagree, then, like, WHATEVER!) 

Birthday in Photos:

Sunday was the first of many days that I spend transforming our apartment into Christmas Central.  The final step is my magnificently magic mega sparkly and fun Christmas tree, but I like to spend a few days building the anticipation for my favorite holiday tradition. The tree will go up on Thursday, and you can be sure that I will blog the entire experience! I spent Sunday sorting through Christmas decor and got things in order; I even put out a few little odds and ends to get started.  

My decor is a collection of various odds and ends that family and friends have bought me over the years. Some things are kid-friendly, some pieces are primitive, some old-fashioned, some modern.  I always use nearly everything, just to make things seem "fuller" and more festive. My favorite pieces are glittery/snowman/candy related.  The more glitter, the more sparkle, the more color, the more I love it. Obviously, my favorite decorations that are actually put out as of now are the yummy candy jars - i could never get sick of staring at red and green m&ms or York Peppermint Patties!

I'm hoping I can stand the wait until Thursday... I'm excited to share my tree with everyone!  Each step tells a story - the colors of the lights, the beaded garland, the tree topper, and the ornaments have meaning. Or, I'm completely Christmas-crazy. 

Yep, Christmas crazy.

If anyone else is planning to put their tree up soon, please, BLOG it! (With lots of photos!)  I want to hear all about your tree, your traditions, and your favorite ornaments.

Have a wonderful Monday!