Experiences and the Unexpected

Based on my previous blog entry, I guess I made it quite clear that I was not completely ecstatic about having to turn the dreaded 2-0 (in my case), since I love being young and teenager-y and presumably free. It wasn't only the fact that I'm leaving my teenage years that was causing depression to overcome me, but also due to the fact that I never really enjoy my birthday each year. Something bad usually happens, like someone makes me cry (and not in the overjoyed, "SURPRISE!" way, either) or some little detail makes me irritated.

Last year, fresh from being a high school graduate, I was expectant over everything: that I'd see my high school friends in campus and they would surprise me, that I would get a lot of gifts, and that everyone would remember my birthday. Well, I've come to learn that college is a whole other ball game, and surprises should be the least of your expectations. Instead, I transformed my mindset into one of no expectations, just so that I wouldn't be disappointed.

Well, my lack of expectations definitely surprised me. I got way more than usual, and I was completely happy about it. No expecting things to go a certain way, leaving all of those cares aside, makes everything go smoothly and wonderfully.

My birthday was made up of the following:

Gifts from Jero

More about my birthday!

Thank you Jero for letting me wake up to fresh yellow roses and a bag (with those gorgeous suede heels) from Topshop! Also, a roll of messages from my closest & dearest friends (which I have yet to read) and a video he'd made that made me cry :">

Food!

a. My favorite sour candy from Carla baby Castillo & Pixi Sticks from my younger sister! 

b. My teammate Fatz and I call each other "Food Twins", which pretty much speaks for itself. She surprised me with Stick-O that had Pillows in the middle! So sweet <3

c. My other teammate who loves to eat, Jara, texted me the day before, 

"Ate Ella, I got you Nerds but when Kuya Chewo said you weren't coming... I ate it." 

She made up for it the next day :>

 Messages & letters!

My teammates Rash & Jara made me cute, colorful letters! Jero also put together a roll of messages from a lot of my closest friends & teammates, but I haven't read them yet cos I know I'll be bawling like a baby. And the last picture is from Ate Lag, an alumna of LSDC-Street who I call my "mommy" since we are alike in so many ways.

Dinners!

On the day of my real birthday, my family ate at Tower Club, which had an amazing view of Makati! My food was amazing. 

Then yesterday, my boyfriend and I celebrated at Shangri-la Makati's Circles buffet and stuffed ourselves silly!

 People!

a. My closest guy friends from my team emerged from the SPS building in school singing "Happy Birthday!" in loud, deep voices. So cute... yet so embarrassing :P

b. Our LSDC-Street executive board elections were held last Thursday, and my teammates Rash & Pao really helped me through the Miting de Avance & election process.

c. Happy happy joy joy haha whuttsss

d. And I don't have a picture with them, but I got to see my bestest friends Mandi, Casey and Alexi on my birthday, which didn't happen last year! <3

All in all, my birthday was so amazing and unexpected. I had a great time, I received simple yet really memorable things, ate a lot of food, was surprised by numerous different people, and just really relaxed and enjoyed myself. Thank you to everyone who made me happy on my usually-horrible day! 

(the flowers in full bloom)

Cheers to my next year of life, and I hope you get to be a part of it! x