I wasn’t expecting a lot from my birthday this year. I was turning 31, the year after a big birthday, and I was supposed to be on a plane traveling for most of the day. But my trip to Cancun has been postponed and I was able to stay in town for my birthday, May 21.

It started with a wakeup call from my Mom, singing “Happy Birthday” on my voicemail. I called her back and got to talk to my mom and dad before getting up and starting the day. It looked like Jon had already left for work for the day, so I started my coffee brewing and getting my yogurt and granola ready. My heart skipped a beat when the back door opening and Jon walking in with a dozen roses and a hot latte from Teos! A great start and a great suprise. (and it’s hard for Jon to pull one over on me these days).

After breakfast I did a little work at my desk and then got to video chat with my sister Hilary and my neice Luna (in the running for cutest baby ever). Over video, I opened the gift package Hilary sent, containing many awesome things: a cute new monogram keychain, custom hairbands with vintage buttons, a Remember 1978 book with old ads and historical facts, and a custom t-shirt reading “Austin’s Top Auntie.” So great!

Then I went for a run in Pease Park, listened to some blush-enducing “Savage Love Podcast” and got a phone call from my niece Lily and my sister Mia, wishing me a happy birthday. I went home and opened their present– a cd of the fleet foxes and a homemade card from Lily, where she actually spelled my name!

A quick shower and then Sara Farr met me up with me and Jon at The Blue Dahlia for lunch. Then off for shoe shopping and pedicures. Then home for a some strawberry shortcake made with real shortcakes I’d been eyeing at Central Market for months. Then Jon showed me he had downloaded the rest of Season 8 of One Tree Hill. And what a guy–he sat down and watched an episode with me. Checked my email and got so many nice emails, e-cards, facebook posts and forum posts with well wishes. Felt very loved.

Then I freshened up and headed over to the theater for the Merlin Works Improv 301 Graduation Show. On the way over I got a call from my brother Louis, wishing me a happy birthday. I showed up and my friend Pascal was working box office. She suprized me with a gift of the purple flip flops I had complimented her on the week before–and a matching purple shirt. The show went really well, as most graduations do. We had a nice turnout of students, friends, and family. Even Shannon made it out, with little two week old Leo at home. He gave me a book: “The Girls Guide for How to Be The Best At Everything.” Sara Farr was on sound and I was happily suprized to see Liz Aebersold (looking mighty fine!) on lights. Erin Molson helped direct the show and the students rocked it. It was a little dirty at first, but once they got their hebejebes out, it was fun scenes and games. At the end of the show I handed out diplomas and the students gave me a lovely bouqet of flowers they had handily hidden backstage at the show.

Then we went to Trudy’s for the after party. It was slammed, and lots of people showed up (Craigus! Jon Bownds after 10pm! Suzy! Pug Puggy!) , so we had to have several tables I happily hopped between.

I had two whole margaritas (Thanks Jen Spencer and Eric Heiberg) and half a tequila shot (thanks Sara Tufts for buying it and Michael Joplin for drinking half of it, so I didn’t have to). Marc Machjer made baclava. Sara Farr bought me a brownie, so I definitly got my sugar quotient by the end of the day. I stayed out late until the party was dying down and I was good enough to drive. Then went to sleep good and tired. What a wonderful birthday. Thanks to everyone who made it special.

The next morning I woke up, packed up the car, and headed to Marfa and Big Bend for a week’s vacation….