Let's celebrate...

A couple of weeks ago i gathered together an incredibly beautiful, talented, creative, generous, kind, and brilliant group of ladies to help celebrate my birthday--which is actually today.  Truth be told, I wanted it to be less about my birthday, and more of a celebration of friendship and life.  The funny thing about this particular group of girls, I just met them this past year.  And a couple of them I had never met, but I read their blog, followed them on twitter, and basically cyberstalked them, so I felt like I knew them.  I have been affectionately referring to these ladies as my "blogger" friends, because that is how we all met, via our blogs, but now I just refer to them as my friends.

Back when I had a 9 to 5, the only people that were my "friends" were my co-workers.  How else do you meet people when you move to a new city?  You spend at least 9 hours a day with these people, you better get to like at least some of them.  Right?  Come to think of it I am not sure I have ever made a friend outside of school or work.  Is that weird?  I consider myself a social person, a nice person, but prior to last year I never went out of my way to meet people.  Gosh, as I am typing this I realize that sounds kind of cold, and when I think about it...I used to be a bit cold to people who I didn't really know.  I partially blame that on my work environment, but I also know that was slightly my personality before baby.  Side note, having a baby totally changed my life, but that's another post for another day, and I am not quit ready to share that with you just yet--but I will.  I am getting a bit side tract here.  FOCUS Bianca!  

I guess what I want to say is that since meeting these ladies I have been pushed outside of my comfort zone.  I have learned to expect more of myself and less of others. I have learned that it's ok to meet new people and not be crazy about them at first, but don't judge or write them off, they have something to share with you, to teach you, and you will end up being more alike than different.  Another side note, I used to pretty hardcore when it came to people, I either liked you or I didn't like you.  A not so nice quality that I am embarrassed to own up to, but I realize I am still a work in progress and trying to change some of my not so nice ways.

The dinner turned out better than I imagined,  I walked away with beautiful memories, stronger friendships, and some pretty amazing gifts.  There were a couple of girls who weren't able to make it and who were greatly missed, but there was one person in particular who I really wanted to be there.  One woman who is the most beautiful person I know, and who has given so much inspiration to so many people, my mother.  The night would have been totally complete if my mom could have joined us.  Maybe next time mom, I know you would love these ladies and they would just adore you.  

I would like to thank Michelle, Melissa, Grace, Amber, Kendall, Dawn, Betsy, Heather, Brandi, Julia, Alexis, Karin, and Jenny for an amazing dinner, and for their friendship.  I love you ladies and look forward to another dinner in the future.  

Have a beautiful day everyone!