One Year Older And Wiser Too

Happy Birthday to ME! My first birthday spent away from home, it had to come eventually. It was kind of sad that it fell on Father's Day though. I wish my dad and I could have been together for the occasion. 

Because of good timing I got to have a whole week of NYC fun leading up to my birthday. Some of my Utah pals came out here on a little trip, and I would never miss out on an opportunity to see people from home. I was able to spend almost the entire week with them. 

We went on a bunch of walking tours of the city and got to learn about the history of that area. That was really cool because a lot of the stories were things I didn't know. We also ate a ton of cheesecake, no complaints there. I got to see two Broadway shows! 

Here's a fun little story. The whole group was seeing Mean Girls on Broadway, and I have seen it twice so I opted not to spend the money. I was meeting them after the show to go grab dessert. I get there about 10 minutes before the show gets out and as I am standing there a bunch of people start coming up with cameras and talking about how they are so excited and stuff. I was so confused because we were all standing outside the doors that the audience leave from. I didn't know why they all had their cameras ready. Well I was about to find out. The show ends and the first audience member comes walking down the stairs. Mind you, I was there earlier than everyone else so I was right in front of the doors. Walking out right in front of me is Selena Gomez. As soon and I see her and realize she's about 5 feet away from me paparazzi come rushing at her with big cameras and the crowd follows. Before I knew it she was in her car and I didn't even pull out my phone to take a picture. So I have no photo proof, but I saw her. Living in New York City you see and run into famous people here and there, but I haven't seen anyone as famous as Selena Gomez before so it was pretty cool. 

Anyway, the whole week was a lot of fun. Some of the people who were out here visiting I haven't seen for months to a year, and one of them I haven't seen for 3 years. It was fun to catch up and have such a fun time. It was a great little birthday gift, to be surrounded by some familiar faces. It was like a little piece of home was here with me. 

On my actual birthday I had church in the morning. After our services we have a "linger-longer" where we stay, chat, and have snacks. Well everyone sang Happy Birthday to me while we were eating cookies which was so sweet. After church I stopped by the hotel all my friends were staying at  to say a quick goodbye.

When I got home my roommates had decorated the apartment and they got me flowers. We all sat down and had a really nice, delicious, HOME-COOKED dinner. After dinner HOMEMADE dessert was waiting. Texas sheet cake and peach ice cream. Best Birthday ever! Seriously I am so grateful for my wonderful roommates who made my birthday really special. I have lived with them such a short time and I already love them so much! 

So my first birthday in NYC will definitely be remembered. I got so many texts and fun little packages from people. My family sent me a package and inside there were a ton of letters from people back home. All from neighbors, family-members, and friends. Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday it really meant a lot to me. I love all of you!