YEAR 27

As you may or may not know, Thursday was my 27th birthday. Thursday was also the first day of all-staff in-service at Cameron High School. AKA: for my birthday I went to work at sat in meetings all day. At first I was really bummed out about having to work all day. I mean, really, who WANTS to do that? In the end though, my coworkers made the day really special for me!

It started with me walking into my room and being sung to by the para-educator who I share my room with and my only co-teacher from last year - Missy. They showered me with gifts and flowers and really started off my day on a great note.

 

 

  

Throughout the day, I got other gifts, tons of birthday wishes, and a ride around town in Katelyn's new convertable. It was the perfect balance - people didn't go over the top, but it was acknowledged enough that being there on my birthday didn't suck. I left feeling so appreciative of the people I work in Cameron, MO. I feel blessed to get to reap the benefits of working in a small town even though I live in the city. Work friends truly are some of the best friends.

Thursday night, Ben took me out to dinner just the two of us! I'm not sure that in the six birthdays he has been around for that we've ever gone out JUST US, so this was a great change of pace. We ended up going to Jack Stack BBQ down in the Crossroads. I'd never been before, and one of my brother's friends is a bartender there so we decided to try it out. We split the "Round Up" [sliced beef, ham, and pork + ribs + three sides of your choice]. We also tried the shrimp appetizer and the burnt ends appetizer. We left with a lot of food in our doggy bag!

 

  

After dinner, Ben and I went to one of our favorite gems in KC - Belsano's Gelato Cafe - for dessert. It was the perfect weather to sit outside and chat while we enjoyed the gelato too!

Ben also gave me a bouquet of flowers [red and yellow for the Chiefs - his words, not mine] and a card with my "gift" in it. For my gift, he planned a full day of going to try new restaurants and visits places we haven't been in a while! A couple of the things that B and I definitely agree on are food and museums! We're going to have our "stay-cation" tomorrow, so I will let you guys know how it goes.

In addition to having a great birthday, last night [Friday], my parents took our immediate family out for dinner at Fogo on the Plaza. Here is the lone picture to document the great night:

I truly do not know how to express my gratitude for all of the texts, calls, Facebook posts, and personal wishes from everybody who took the time to do so. I felt exactly how you're supposed to feel on your birthday - loved and celebrated. Twenty-six was a good year, but I have a feeling twenty-seven might be even better!