Catch My Breathe...

"I don't wanna be left behind

Distance was a friend of mine

Catching breath in a web of lies

I've spent most of my life

Riding waves, playing acrobat

Shadowboxing the other half

Learning how to react

I've spent most of my time

Catching my breath, letting it go, turning my cheek for the sake of the show

Now that you know, this is my life, I won't be told it's supposed to be right

Catch my breath, no one can hold me back, I ain't got time for that

Catch my breath, won't let them get me down, it's all so simple now

Addicted to the love I found

Heavy heart, now a weightless cloud

Making time for the ones that count

I'll spend the rest of my time

Laughing hard with the windows down

Leaving footprints all over town

Keeping faith kinda comes around

I'll spent the rest of my life

 

Catching my breath, letting it go, turning my cheek for the sake of the show

Now that you know, this is my life, I won't be told it's supposed to be right

Catch my breath, no one can hold me back, I ain't got time for that

Catch my breath, won't let them get me down, it's all so simple now"

-Kelly Clarkson

I can't help but love the above lyrics to the above song by Kelly Clarkson.

I feel like I have spent a majority of my life... catching my breath... trying to keep up with life, of juggling and balancing and running and continue to push on. I can't help but be thankful the ability to move and push and strive forward because of my faith in God.

Keeping faith kinda comes around... I think after last week's blog... I kept faith that this year would be better... better in general... but better for my birthday... a better year than last... and that I would continue to become a better person...

Yesterday was my birthday... 26!!!

I could not have asked for a better birthday. I felt so loved and cared for and special.

I had two amazing volunteers come into the office- so I could leave early on Friday.

I picked up dessert for a fabulous weekend away.

I treated myself to a massage and smoothie... even bought a new nail polish.

Met up with two amazing ladies (Amy and Megan) and we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then hit the road and head for San Diego. We sang to Nsync, danced, talked about life, love, and God.

We arrived in San Diego to be connected with another one of my best friends... Jack.

We made dessert and watched a movie. Jack went to bed since he had to work the next day. We talked and giggled and watched Say Yes to the Dress! and eventually fell asleep.

I woke up and got ready for breakfast out with a friend. Delicious blackberry and banana pancakes... a huge delicious coffee...  good company and nice conversation.

Ventured back to our area in San Diego. The ladies and I got coffee and ventured around the mall shopping and picking out new outfit and treating ourselves. Met up with close girl friend who was working and she gave me a slight makeover... red lips... Taylor Swift status.

We went back to the apartment and then set out to get some relaxation time and we got our nails done. The ladies treated and I felt so relaxed and blessed and thankful.

We then trekked over to Liberty Station/Point Loma area and went to my favorite little cafe and sandwich shop and Adrian arrived in town and join us. Turkey Cobb sandwiches and some chocolate bread (my favorite at Con Pane and only sold on Saturdays!).

We then went back to the apartment to get ready for dinner and our evening out on the town. The group surprised me with gifts... I was so excited and surprised and just grateful. I was surrounded by presents and people that I care about dearly... friends who for the past few months have stood by my side and just been such a great support system.

 

We got ready and my friend Rach joined us and we ventured off to an amazingly yummy dinner at the one and only Phil's BBQ. We then laughed and sang some country and hip hop and ventured to go dancing... which was a bust. Just before midnight we grabbed desserts to go and headed back to the apartment. We rung in midnight in the car singing... then sang Happy Birthday again at the apartment with desserts. We stayed up late laughing and talking.

The girls and I departed SD that morning and I made it back in time for church. I did a bit of work and said hi to some of my kiddos and friends and then went to lunch with some people from my small group...

I even got amazing chocolate cupcakes made by my wonderful family friend Alice.

Took a nap... at the church... sssh...

Then began to set up for the monthly youth dinner... I was overwhelmed by the turn out and help from the youth and parents. The room was decorated with balloons and lanterns and flowers. Filipino food filled the tables- made by some amazing people in my community at church... I was surrounded by love. Given gifts and hugs and just enjoyed quality time... oh I was surrounded by chocolate too... by birthday fell on National Chocolate Cake Day...

 

The festivities are continuing this week as I catch up and visit with friends...

THANK YOU!!!

I am so beyond blessed and thankful the people that God has placed in my life... and for the ways that I felt celebrated and cared for and reminded of God's love.

This year's birthday was the best I ever had and beat out the years of disappointing and tearful birthday.

Thank you to all who contributed to making this day- the best day... better than I could have ever imagined.