This time last year, I was furiously studying for a long-shot interview for this incredible job in Paris that I wanted SO badly. Michael and I actually celebrated my 32nd birthday the following month with an incredible weekend getaway to the Shenandoah valley, where I got a the gift every girl dreams of: a diamond ring from the man she loves more than life. We got married a short five weeks later in November, and moved to Paris together in December. While there was no way to top the sheer excitement of my birthday last year, my 33rd was beautiful for its simplicity. I had to work on my actual birthday (Monday). My colleagues-turned-friends surprised me with a strawberry and cream cake from the fab local Japanese bakery, and sang happy birthday while waving lighters in the air in lieu of candles. It was so thoughtful and unexpected and touching. For my birthday dinner, Mom made my absolute favorite dinner from my childhood, which for years we appropriately called "French Chicken" - mostly because it was easier than pronouncing Supremes de Volaille a Blanc. It was just as good as I remembered, and served alongside a bouquet from my sweetie, cheesecake (and cupcakes!) for dessert, and lots of love. We topped off the evening by taking a bottle of rosé champagne out to the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower, just in time to watch it light up and twinkle on the hour at 9pm. It was so nice, we stayed for the 10pm magic as well. And since the evening coincided with my Mom's last evening in Paris, it was more than anything a fitting way to cap off her two week visit. Overall, I have to say that I have no regrets or doubts about where I am in life. There are days it is hard to be here, just like there are days in everyone's life that are challenging. But I am also incredibly happy and blessed to be where I am today.
In fact, Time magazine reported that people are happiest only once they reach 33. I buy it. Good things are just beginning.
1 Comment
Michael
9/29/2014 07:40:04 am
33 was a pretty great year for me! :)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorBecause why not get married and move to Paris to really kick off your thirties? Archives
December 2016
|