It's My Birthday and I'll {run-lunch-party-reunion-cry} if I Want To

 Happy Birthday to ME!  
I have always loved my birthday. I have waited for you for a whole year!  I really do love my birthday!  I am not one of those women who dread it when it arrives.  I actually look forward to it.  I mean after all how many days can you get away with this:

Not many!  So I take full advantage!  hah  It's always better to become another year older than to spend another year under the ground right?  RIGHT!   Birthday's should be a celebration of life!  The fact that I am alive and healthy is more than a reason to celebrate!  I used to take for granted the years as they would go by, but not anymore.  One thing losing my son Tyson has taught me is that LIFE IS SHORT and so we must live it to the fullest!  We must CHERISH the MOMENTS and the DAYS - especially birthdays!  Don't let one day (or one birthday) be mundane!  There is so much to celebrate, the least of which is that I was blessed enough to be able to spend another year on this planet enjoying my life! 
(And the chocolate I inevitably get, is always a bonus too!)
 
This year, since it was on a Saturday, it was pretty low key.  I had to get in a 12 mile run early on and then I had lots of other things that had to be done - birthday or not- and so there was really no party on my actual birthday.  The party was planned for Monday.  The main reason for no party this year on my real day is because I had my Class Reunion that night as well.

Best present by far ALL day was this ↓!!!!  

Yes... all the way from Brazil!  Now, that totally made my day!
It was on Facebook! ☺


I got some really nice things from some really nice people.  I am always amazed at how my family and friends always pick out the most perfect gifts for me!  I wish I was that good at giving gifts to others.  I try, but I am always seriously amazed how they all choose the perfect gift for me.  And very grateful!

  

Dave gave me a Willow Tree that had a mom cuddling a little boy in a quilt.  He said it reminded him of me and Tyson.  I cried when I opened it.  It will always mean a lot to me.  My Mom gave me the most gorgeous purple earrings and scarf, as well as a cardigan (I picked out!).  She always finds the greatest things for me.  Bonnie searched and found me a Lenox Bowl that we both fell in love with at a bridal shower.  She is just so amazing!  And such a wonderful friend and example to me.  I love that woman!

I got some awesome stuff, like a purple super cool spatula and awesome running book, purple candy from Oregon, dishcloths, a book I have always wanted, Halloween stuff, purple blanket, candles, etc.  I felt like I got super spoiled...

 I really loved all my gifts, but what I love most about birthdays are the cards I get from my friends and family because of the heart felt messages inside.  My love language has always been words of affirmation.  I usually save my cards and love to re-read them when I need a boost.

My Mom brought over a chocolate (and purple!) cake for the party and I invited Linda to join in on the fun and she brought an apple pie.

My Mom has always got me a cake on my birthday ever since I can remember.  I am sure Dave and the boys appreciate that!  If it was left up to them, not sure if cake would happen!  My sweet Mom always comes through and I appreciate her so much!

I got to see my cute little grand-niece Kylah!  Love her!

This is me with my sister in law Linda. ↓ We both share the same birthday, though I won't let her forget she is one year older than me.  It has been something that has bonded us and we usually are able to get together at some point during our birthday.

 On my actual "day of" birthday, I began it with a 12.5 mile run with Jen.  We started at Sherwood Hills and then had a bit of a detour via Dave.  It was a great day for a run and I was happy to have it over with.  More of that HERE.

She gave me a birthday present after we finished and I ran home carrying it.  Bet that looked funny!  hah  She gave me some cool stuff!  Including a running book that I have loved reading.  It's called Mile Markers and has already inspired me!  It was a great way to start the day!

Jen has been such a great friend to me in so many ways.  We have shared pretty much everything about each others lives over the years and now that we are running mates, we share even more than we should! haha  It's amazing what comes out on those long runs!  lol  It's so nice to have a friend that you can share all your secrets with.  Good and bad.  We have a lot of fun together too and we never tire of each others company.  At least I never do of hers.  She is a great example to me in so many ways.  I feel blessed to have her as a friend.


That night, it was the second night of my 35th High School Class Reunion.  

It was tough to decide what to do as far as if I was going or not since it was my birthday, but in the end I decided these things come so rarely and you never know how long it will be until you see some of these people again, so I decided to go.  Dave could have gone with me on this one, but we decided to save the money (since he would be bored out of his gourd anyway) and celebrate together later. 

I am really glad that I went even if they embarrassed me and made me go up to the front to be sang Happy Birthday too.  That was NOT something I wanted to do!  They gave me birthday crowns and candles (a 5 and a 3) but I turned them around to make 35 instead of 53.  Yes, I turned 35 on my 35th class reunion!  Not sure how to explain that, but...  

I have a full post on the reunion HERE.

And...I had lots of fun doing my favorite thing with some of my favorite people.
Going out to lunch!

At Idle Isle with Julie....

I got the open faced hot turkey sandwich. Mmmm....

Julie and I have been friends for over 20 years and have really been through the ups and downs in each others lives.  She is a true friend and has a heart of gold.  If I could be half as good as her, then I would consider myself pretty awesome.  She is one of those friends that you know that no matter what storm is happening in your life she will be there to throw you a life preserver.  I am very blessed to have her as a friend.

Me and my cute friend Dawn celebrated our birthdays together and she was sweet enough to come to my city!  We exchanged gifts and I loved what she gave me!  Chocolate of course, and a darling Willow Tree plaque of two friends (twins).  We always say we are twins separated at birth because we really have so much in common.  And we just keep discovering more every time we are together.  It will always remind me of our bond and friendship whenever I see it.

   This little card that came with the Willow Tree really sums it up.  

We went to the same high school together but since she is one grade ahead of me, we never really hung out much.  We became fast friends on Facebook though.  She came to some of the crafting events our mutual friend Kathy had and we hit it off immediately.  It really is amazing how much alike we are.  There are many ways that I really wish I was more like her though.  She is always thinking of others....ALWAYS!  She will come up with ideas to lift other people's day in simple ways that really make an impact on them.  She started doing Sunshine Bags and giving them to random strangers she felt needed a boost.  She always has something up her sleeve to help life another person.

Her birthday happens to fall on National Milk Chocolate Day (lucky!) and mine falls on National Ice Cream Sandwich Day and so she made up this cute little card that we can pass out to random strangers to brighten their days along with some chocolate and ice cream sandwiches.  We want to start doing this every year around our birthdays since they are only five days apart.  What a great idea!  That is just one of the many things she does to lift others.  She is amazing!  I am so grateful our paths crossed again, even if it was later in life, because she really inspires me and enriches my life.

My favorite picture of us.  Taken a few months ago, but I love it!

 I just feel so blessed to have so many great friends!  And I've only touched the surface with the few I talked about.  I have been abundantly blessed with so many others that I love so much and who also inspire me daily! 

I've also been greatly blessed with family.  I love my in law family as much as I love my own. Dave's sister Karen took me and his sister Linda out for our birthdays together since we share a birthday.

We hit Rovolli's on 25th Street and it was yummy!  Linda's daughter Kimber and grandaughter Kylah also joined us.

It doesn't take us long to find a photo opp!  And THIS one was perfect!!!

We had a lot of fun together even if the time was short.

I had a wonderful birthday and stretched it out over a week or so.  I think I should keep stretching it out over the month!  Like I said above, as long as I'm here and kicking I'll be celebrating LIFE!

The numbers don't matter only the feelings! And I feel great!

I have been so blessed!

It was a great birthday!

SIDE NOTE:

 I have asked for a bike for several years for my birthday, but I don't think Dave wants me riding one because he has had too many friends get really hurt (or die!) on them.  I just want one to cross train on when I can't run (like now) and so Jen and I went looking for a good entry level bike for me and found this one.  Since I am injured right now, I really needed it while I can't run.  So I told Dave I was going to order it for my birthday.  He wasn't super thrilled but was okay with it.  I can't wait until it arrives!

What Is the Story Behind Your Name ~ Day 14

I went to Google for this. I found a lot of meanings of my name.  But the best one I found by far was this:

facts.

The name Jodi is of Hebrew origin.The meaning of Jodi is "G-d shall add (another son)".

And another...and another... and another...  haha!  Gotta love that!

Consecrated to God.

English Meaning: 
The name Jodi is an English baby name. In English the meaning of the name Jodi is: Feminine of nickname for Joseph and Jude.

American Meaning: 
The name Jodi is an American baby name. In American the meaning of the name Jodi is: Feminine of nickname for Joseph and Jude.

Hebrew Meaning: 
The name Jodi is a Hebrew baby name. In Hebrew the meaning of the name Jodi is: Jewess. Praised.

SoulUrge Number: 6People with this name have a deep inner desire for a stable, loving family or community, and a need to work with others and to be appreciated.
Expression Number: 2People with this name tend to be quiet, cooperative, considerate, sympathetic to others, adaptable, balanced and sometimes shy. They are trustworthy, respecting the confidences of others, and make excellent diplomats, mediators and partners. They are often very intuitive. They like detail and order, and often find change worrisome. They may sometimes feel insecure or restless.

The name Jodi means 'Jehovah increases' or 'God Will Increase'. Jodi can be used both as a girl's name and also as a boy's name. This name is of English origin and can also be spelt as 'Jodie'.

The name Jodi means sweet. 
The name Jodi means Jewish woman, praised one, looked up to, or admired one.

Since they are quite unconventional, they are likely to choose a career that is out of the ordinary: at the cutting edge or of a very specialized nature for example, whether it be of a technical or scientific (information technology) character or connected with fashion; it will probably be varied and mobile. Otherwise, occupations in connection with sales and marketing, travel, advertising, journalism or dance could appeal to them... They are equally likely to take an interest in the social sciences or activities involving the giving of advice.

What Does Name "Jodi" Mean

You are honest, benevolent, brilliant and often inventive, full of high inspirations. You are courageous, honest, determined, original and creative. You are a leader, especially for a cause. Sometimes you do not care to finish what you start, and may leave details to others. You can do well in position of authority, and prospers in intellectual and professional fields. You are frank, methodical and believe in law, system and order.

You are always looking for an opportunity to achieve financial and emotional security. You are basically peacemaker. You understand the law of harmony and desire to balance your life with those around you. You may feel incomplete without someone to share your love, ideals, wealth or work. You can be very sensitive and could appear a bit shy and perceptive. You have developed intuition, patience and the ability to nurture others. You can achieve the state of happiness if you is willing to accept your needs in a complimentary relationship and go to create them.

The story behind why I was named Jodi as far as I can remember is that my parents were originally going to name me Windy.  Then for some reason (thank goodness!) they chose Jodi.  I had an great Uncle Joe somewhere along the line and so I was named after him.  My Mom wanted to name me JoDean after my Dad Dean, but for some reason they decided not to.  

When I was in 2nd grade I tried to change my name to my middle name which is Mae.  My teacher stood up at the front of the class and very angrily asked why someone put the name Mae on a paper saying that we didn't have any Mae's in the class and to please put your proper name.  She asked who did it and I hesitatingly raised my hand.  That is one of my worst memories of my childhood. I was really devastated.  

When I was younger my play name was Candace Ann White and I would pretend to go by Candi.  My cousin ended up naming her first daughter that name and so I was satisfied.  Then a little later, I wished I was named Kelly.  

  

In Jr. High I wanted to change the spelling of my name to JoDee.  That didn't fly either and so I stuck with Jodi.  One of my very best friends from Jr. High (and to this day) is also named Jody (with a Y).  We always say Jodi with an I or Jody with a Y. Then we went to Jodi One and Jody Two.  We always teasingly argued over who was which. We both wanted to be Jodi One. 

I have a lot of nicknames.  Dave calls me Jo.  His parents have always called each other Jo as well.  The reason they do that is because Jo means sweetheart.  I don't call Dave Jo though.  That would be too strange for me! haha    

My other nicknames are: JoMae, JM, JoJo, Jode, ~ and my new favorite Joey that my 3 year old nephew Isaac calls me.   My friends also called me VD in high school because of my last name.  We even have a hand signal signifying it.  Too crazy I know!

I am happy with my name.  I really like it.  Your name kind of grows on ya by the time you are my age.

I Demand A Recount!!!

Seriously...
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?












I'm still 30 ~ well more like 18 in my mind! (BUT I can STILL jump like I'm 18! ~ kinda!)

We saw this VERY late at night as we were pulling back into town from our trip to Hawaii.

Why is it the body keeps aging, but the inside of your head doesn't? Oh, well as I've always said:

Better OVER the hill than UNDER it!!!

PARTY ON!


















And party on is just what we did! Well, it's what THEY did to me!
I mean what is birthday party for an old geezer without a walker?
Excuse me, let me clarify that:

A PURPLE WALKER!

They knew I wouldn't touch it if it wasn't purple!





















You don't see THIS everyday!












































What is says is true... it WAS chocolate after all! =)

Even the most painful things are easier when celebrated with good friends!



































Well, which one is it? ↓ ↑






























This is the CUTEST cake bouquet made of flowers I have ever seen!
THANKS BONNIE!!!

Okay, THIS ↓ helps!!!

Look we are TWINNERS!!!!!!!

Can't celebrate too much!















Me and my cute Mom sharing the best drink on the planet. Olive Garden's Chocolate Almond Amore'! (with extra almond!)



























My sister in law Linda and I share a birthday BUT she will ALWAYS be a year older than me!!!Well except for the hours between 6 pm and 10 pm when we were born! She makes sure of that! heehee
















My son's cute girlfriend painted this for me! ME! Wow! I didn't deserve this! She is soooo amazingly talented! This picture doesn't even do it justice. It is INCREDIBLE!!!!

I had an amazing birthday! I felt so loved by so many. I received the most amazing gifts and cards. I was flooded by birthday wishes on Facebook and many dear friends remembered me on this very emotionally mixed day!
And to think I didn't even want to be in town on this one. Glad I made it back!

Thanks everyone! I am going to make 50 the best year EVER!!!!