I realized again this weekend how lucky I am to in a work and living environment that treats John and I so well. I was simply blown away by the effort my bosses, co-workers and friends made to make my birthday extra-special.

As most of you know by now, my birthday was on Friday. When I arrived at the office on Friday afternoon, things were quiet until two extra-large pizzas arrived from Pizza Hut. The staff threw me a surprise pizza party! In addition to a warbly renditon of “Happy Birthday,” I had a desk laden with gifts of all shapes and sizes. I don’t know who put the word out, but my classes were prepared for birthday wishes and students I only see once or twice a month also brought in cookies, chocolates, cake and little knick-knacks.

Three of my good friends (Carol, Sandy and Queenie) went to Coach and split on a beautiful gold bracelet. My friend, Claire, gave me some Dior body lotion. I received a beautiful little purse and silk wallet from Angela, Una and Simone. Claira and Hywel gave me a gorgeous pearl and bugle necklace in a wooden curio box. My students bought me new pens and pads of paper. My teacher supervisor, Catherine, presented me with a lovely bottle of perfume. I also had a blog post dedicated to me on my birthday from my friend and co-worker, David. What a sweetheart!

It’s not the presents that make a day special. It’s the thought and care that came with everyone’s hugs and well-wishes that made me cry at the end of the day. I almost felt a little uncomfortable with the attention. It was definitely one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had.

Birthday festivities on Saturday were just as good as the real deal on Friday. I spoke with my parents for a long time on the phone and was feeling especially nostalgic when I got off the phone with them.

I met Joanna at the hair salon later that day to get primped and preened for a night out. I love spending time with Jo. She’s one of those rare friends that makes me feel good just by being with her. Her birthday gift was a trendy mix-up of SKII, Lancome and jewelery. Does she know me or what?

In addition to adding considerably to my Be@rbrick collection, John took me camera shopping this weekend. I haven’t made my purchase yet, but it’s going to happen in the next two weeks. He’s contributing to the cost of my new camera. And, he took me to dinner at Dan Ryan’s, where we were joined by a large group of friends later in the evening. We headed to Luxy later in the evening for a night of dancing and arrived home in the wee hours of the morning feeling tired but blessed to be rich with such friends as these.

I also want to say thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by My Several Worlds with birthday wishes.

How sweet it is to be loved by all of you! Thanks for making my birthday so special!