Unbelievable kindness

The thing about birthdays is...sometimes they are hard. For me, anyhow. It's not because I am getting older - age ain't nothing but a number, baby. No, they are hard because I find it uncomfortable to be the center of attention when I don't ask for it. I hate the feeling of putting people out and making them feel like they should celebrate the day I was born. Doesn't that seem weird to you? I don't know - nonetheless, I am trying to get over that because...

I HAVE THE BEST FAMILY AND FRIENDS EVER!

I have had a number of birthday surprises that weren't really surprises but are incredibly appreciated because everyone who was there (physically and in spirit) reminded me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such an amazing collection of people.

An example of said "people"

For starters, Jason took me on a birthdate to one of my very favorite places in Austin, the Alamo Drafthouse. We saw Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. The experience was lovely, the movie was ridiculously sad. If you need a good cry for 2 hours, this is the ticket. Still, it was nice to have some time with him. We also had a birthday sushi lunch and it was super delish.


Next, having a birthday and being a Facebook member is kind of incredible. I feel like the entire world has written on my wall today (thank you for that) - and I have TWO accounts. This means that I have been receiving kind messages from friends and family as well as students. So many of my students have noted that I am their favorite professor ever and those comments are all the gifts I need. Srsly. Except I got more. Apparently this is the year where I kiss all gifts. I am THAT thankful.

This is Freud - she is an armadillo from Danielle, Katie, and Nancy

I love her. And she comes complete with streamers. Ask one of these girls to explain. :)

This gift does not have a name yet, but don't confuse it for Voldemort. It will be named, and named proudly. Thank you to Jason, my parents, Ashley and Chris, Phillip, Alyssa, Matthew, and Paul!!! I can't wait to use it, though I will wait for proper supervision before manipulating anything. I love it!!!!
This is a picture one of my students posted on my Facebook wall. I freaking LOVE it too and crack up every time I look at it.

When purchasing my lunch today, someone steps in and says "I'll pay for it." I turned to see Jason Crandall, one of my UT classmates offering his credit card to the Subway cashier. We had a really nice conversation about the challenges of being a senior grad student. What a nice (and unexpected) gesture!

Also, I'm told there is a not-surprise surprise Happy Hour tonight somewhere in downtown Austin. I feel really blessed to have you people in my life. Thank you.

Edit to my blog: this party happened and I was overwhelmed with the turn out. I think 3/4 of UT's Ed Psych Dept was there, which elicited all kinds of warm fuzz. I didn't take very many pictures (sad face), but I did capture two fun people. Need I say it again?

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys rock.