36

Well I am officially 36. It feels the same as 35. LOL.

My birthday was nice. My lovely yummy husband gave me a certificate to a full day spa. I can't wait to use it:) I listened to Justin Timberlake while shooting some supermodels (orchids and gerbera daisies) for my new spring collection that should be out in a week or so-more on that in another post. In the afternoon my friend and I took the kids to the gym/family center we just joined and brought the kids in the pool/water park. Then we met our husbands at her house for pizza and wings.

The night before some of my closest girlfriends took me out for Sushi. It was so relaxing and nice to be out with the girls. Girl time is so rejuvenating.

Maybe because I transferred into my 4 year college in my sophomore year, and didn't live on campus, and started grad school a bit later than my peers, I have always lacked a group of friends I could get together with just to hang out. I usually had a few close friends but none of them really knew each other and were all quite different as people and in their stage of life. My first year at home with my son, my friend Genine (closest on the left)and I (we met in grad school), made new friends, that happen to all have children very close in age. Through get togethers , play dates and dinners 5 of us have bonded and become very close and our husbands like each other too. It is something I have dreamed of for a long time and am so happy to have in my life now. I waited a long time and had to step out of my comfort zone and ignore silly insecurities to be a part of this group, but by being open and honest with each other we have become really close and it is so lovely. There is one close friend that we all miss-she had to move away because of her husbands new job, but she still comes to visit for our book club.

As a prior loner (and present people person that still needs/values alone time)I never knew it would be possible to feel this comfortable in a group of friends. I tribute much of my bravery to this online community and this lovely group that I got to meet in Seattle last year. By being open and honest on my blog, and receiving acceptance and warmth, I got courage and faith that I could find like minded individuals in my area as well.

I must say though that there was a 9 -1 2 month period of trying to bond with new people that just didn't end up lasting or clicking. It could be pretty discouraging at times. Genine and all of the amazing friends I have made through blogging really kept me grounded and able to handle those times of discomfort and feelings of rejection.

There are so many of you that I wish lived closer, who I would have adored having at dinner that evening. You are some of my dearest closest friends and I think of you all the time.