Well, well, well, it turns out the anxiety I’ve had for the past year about 30 was for nought – age is just a number and I’m still young. I accomplished some great things in my 20s, failed at some things, but I learned from both the failures and successes. I know I will continue working towards my Canadian goal for the next few years. It may be slow, but I will be patient and persistent. My aunt’s Canadian mother-in-law (Mrs. Friese) was in attendance and we were chatting about everything; it was nice to have someone chat with after James left.
Anyway, I made non-alcoholic Sangria and it was a hit! I also put out some games and my scrapbooks that showed different things throughout the decade. Mom and dad ordered a GF and allergy free cake from Sweet Freedom and lined up the cards by the cake. I kept it simple.
It turns out simple was good because Maddie and Max, who is in the Navy, were in town visiting before they move to Puget Sound. I haven’t seen Maddie and Max since their wedding on 12/30/2017 and it was so nice seeing them! Maddie, who is a physician’s assistant, brought gluten-free snacks for me. James was the only friend who could make it and he really hit it off with Doug, my cousin who lives in Brooklyn and will be moving to London next month. James also hit it off with Jason, one of my baby cousins (though he will be 22 in October). It was nice to catch up with Maddie, Doug, and Mrs. Friese.
James was the only one to look through my scrapbooks and listen to some stories. He gave me some advice and said that my feelings were normal: he felt the same way just before and when he turned 30. He understood. Everyone else stayed upstairs and just chatted. We weren’t interested in the board games; we just mingled with everyone else, ate, and enjoyed cake.
Before Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dave left, Uncle Dave asked me if I had anything fun planned. I told him Anna, who I haven’t seen in 10 years, is in town this weekend; I’m staying with her and her cousin on Friday night and on Saturday we’re going to Dorney Park. I also told him about my vacation to Brighton Beach and Asbury Park from 15 July – 20 July. He laughed and said, “you sure do love New York, don’t you? You’re a New York gal!” I laughed and said NYC is so easy to get around; plus it’s lively. Both Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dave exclaimed, “you always plan fun things! Enjoy yourself!”
I’m thankful for everyone who was in attendance and I am grateful that I was surrounded by loved ones to celebrate my third decade of life. The day was peaceful and a lot of fun.
I set up a guestbook and people signed it. I am not sure if I want to put it in my Happiness Box or if I want to place it in the binder scrapbook I am going to get now for Happiness Box 2019. For those I didn’t tell, six weeks ago I gave myself an early birthday gift: I joined the inked club. I have my favourite album cover tattooed on my rib cage: the Wraith. I made a few layouts that I want to include in this binder, then wrap it to open with my Happiness Box on 1-1-2020.
Oh! And Mrs. Brown surprised me too! She placed a lovely birthday card in the mailbox and treated me to a trip to Knoebels for their family reunion. They invited me in 2017 when they went to DC (that’s how I got to go to the Juggalo March) and I can’t wait to go to Knoebels. I’ve never been there. Thankful Thursday indeed, my heart is full and I am grateful for everyone in my life.
The gift from Kathleen:
Non-Alcoholic Sangria… and the recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-non-alcoholic-sangria-170254
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
I’m all verklempt knowing you are basking in the afterglow of a marvelous 30th birthday celebration. Alcohol free Sangria was an excellent choice of beverage and I wish I’d been there to eat a slice of that GF and allergy free cake from Sweet Freedom. I love the pictures you collected of the scrapbooks, guestbook, cards, the cake – including the moment you blew out the candles – and all the caring loved ones who gathered to help you celebrate this very special day in your life. Others who could not attend sent thoughtful cards and well wishes. Many years from now, when you are my age, you can go back and re-experience the happy moments captured in these pictures. You have many treasured memories. I hope you have fun at Dorney Park with Anna and her cousin.
One more thing before I go. It’s huge that you have learned from both the failures and successes in your life. That’s a mark of maturity.
Have a safe and happy weekend, dear friend JM!
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Thank you, Tom! Everyone had fun and today I’m going to buy thank you cards to send out. ❤
I think it’s very important to learn from the good and bad! I’ll email you something I’ve been thinking about.
Have a great weekend too, dear friend!
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