My So Called Life: It's My Birthday and...

This is a little bit late. However, I am finally coming off my birthday week of cake and wine. Yes, the breakfast of champions. Tricks are for kids. I had 2 cakes made for me and 2 sets of cupcakes. And I didn't want to be rude. Pics to follow..but I heard this song this last week on Pandora and it was one of my favorites while living in LA..so here you go. Plus, there is a girl in the band..so that rocks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCHCcoPIQpk

So, the birthday was last week. I planned to go to Fairmont Hot Springs (http://www.fairmontmontana.com/) and have some pool time with some friends. When got there the outdoor pool was closed, but we made the best of the indoor pool and hot tub. We cooked dinner at my condo there and then stayed up playing Cards Against Humanity (which is some great politically incorrect fun) and drank champagne. Next morning we soaked some more and headed off to Bozeman. I decided a few months ago to ring in my birthday with one of my favorite half marathons. It is such a beautiful race with views of the mountains and horses then goes through town! My friend Adrieanna jumped on board for the run and met us there. My friends, Kelli and Tina, were going to be our cheerleaders.

My lucky # 7 (plus 711 sells coffee and doughnuts)

When we got to the running store to pick up our packet, Kelli went right to the pickup at the back of the store. I finally made my way down there, but was thinking to myself "Kelli, we can pickup our own packets." Because Kelli is the type to go get them for you. I got up to the table and I said that to her...and her response..."No, this is my packet." Shock and disbelief. Why such shock you ask. Because Kelli has had a hell of year. Before our first half marathon in February, she slipped on ice and broke her ankle in a spiral fracture. Oh wait, it gets better...er worse. Then after the prescribed time off she started to become active again, only to find out she has a blood clot. Another set back of sorts. Then she had two eye surgeries. So, needless to say she met her deductible. Up to this birthday weekend, she had really only ran 3 miles.

I had tears in my eyes and hugged her. What a great gift, but I was so proud. I mean she was going to do this and finally was would do a race "together." I joked with her that she would do anything to get out of a race! So, the next morning we all geared up and headed to the start. Later in the race we would see that Tina went out early and made signs along the course. They were awesome. She would bike back and forth cheering along the way. Kelli wasn't too far behind us, maybe a mile? There was one time I saw she was close behind us! So, Adrieanna and I made a goal, if we don't PR this, at least beat the one-legged bandit! We all rocked it! Kelli only finished 10 min behind her last half marathon time, when she had two "good" legs (her words, not mine.)

We ate up and headed home. What a great weekend with great friends.