30th year

And so it has descended upon us (well me), my thirtieth year. I had a hard time falling asleep last night due to the fact that my brain was running in circles, but the most prominent thought was, thirtieth year, thirtieth year, thirtieth year. Its not so much that I am getting older, its that Everyone is getting older and as pleasant as everything is and has been and is shaping up to be, time is still passing at rapid speeds and sometimes when I'm not paying attention, that fact can creep up and knock the wind out of me.

So I'm 29. There I've said it, I don't think I've said it like that yet. No out loud at least. In the days, weeks and months leading up to it, I've definitely said I'm "going to be" and "I will be", but that was my first declaration of the fact.

Today is my birthday, and I am 29.

I'm sitting here at my desk, avoiding my work, because its my birthday and eating the fun-fetti cake that my co-worker made especially for me, (although I think everyone else was pretty psyched for it too) and I don't feel much of anything, except that little tingle of excitement you get when it is your special day.

I've joked about dreading this number, but I really don't, nor do I feel like I need to accomplish any crazy, impressive feats by this time next year.

I'm not really interested in creating a list of things to force myself to accomplish. I just want to be happy and healthy and enjoy what I'm doing. I just want to be the best Kate I can be whether 29 or 30.

I had a great birthday weekend. Saturday I was treated to a much (MUCH) needed manicure and pedicure by L, my bro's gf, before we headed off to the best sushi place that I have been to in Boston, Fugakyu, where I literally stuffed myself with their amazing rolls. We were surprised with a private room, which had originally been unavailable. It was fun, but a little awkward. The rooms are screened in with bamboo sliding doors, and you have to take your shoes off before entering and sitting around the sunken table. I had trouble sitting gracefully the first time, I don't even want to describe how it was after two martinis.

Afterwards we headed over to the Liberty Hotel to meet up with some friends of my brothers. The were at Alibi; however, the line was too long and they weren't letting anyone in at the moment. I was with GJ and her husband and my brother, L and M had not found a parking spot yet, so instead of waiting in line we decided to check out the interior of the Hotel, which had been a prison in its last life. GJ's husband is a Duck Tour driver and I fascinated by Boston History, so we dutifully followed him in and found ourselves at Clink. (Get it? Former Jail, Clink? Alibi? Kitschy)

The bar for Clink is pretty much the entire lobby of the hotel which resides under a vast dome leading up to huge sky lights. It was amazing and I have to admit I did feel a little under dressed, either that or everyone else was overdressed. As I think about it more, they were overdressed not to mention pretentious, of which I am never. We got a drink and wandered around, more interested in the architecture than the"scene". We gawked at the ceiling and marveled at the fact that so much suffering took place on that very spot. I felt at little wrong sipping my G and T in my expensive shoes, knowing the history of the place.

At one point I heard a man complaining to the bouncer that he smelled cigarette smoke. I couldn't imagine anyone being stupid enough to light up in that place (but you never know) so I shared to GJ that it was probably the ghost of a lonely prisoner making his prescience known. (Yah, a little dramatic, but fun to think about!)

We only stayed their briefly, then it was off to Harvard Gardens to finish the night. Nothing spectacular, but fun none-the-less!

Sunday I forced my Parents to come visit and take me to brunch, which they did willingly. It was good, and my brother's came and my nephew and he always makes me laugh. I got some good presents. My Mom and Dad got me a camera, which now I need to A.) learn how to use and B.) Remember to use. One brother got me a necklace and the other got me a BR gift card.

After brunch we went to the MFA to see the El Greco to Velasquez exhibit so I could go back to my roots. I love it there, and now I found out that I can get in free with my student ID. No I'm not a student, but my ID doesn't expire! Score.

That was pretty much the extent of my 29th birthday. I'm thinking Margaritas and Mexican food tonight would make it a complete success.

Stay tuned for "Kate's 30th year." With more frequent and exciting posts! (Hopefully)