#cincodekirstin

Our alternate ego's getting after it on Cinco de Kirstin 

Anyone who knows me, knows I love my birthday.  It's the very beginning of beautiful weather, school is almost out, and it's Cinco de Mayo!! This past weekend was, in fact, my 24th birthday.  I was a little weirded out about becoming so old but then I realized a very important fact...My age still rounds down to 20 so, to me, that's technically still "young", right?! :)

My birthday started with my students throwing me a "surprise" birthday party.  Of course I knew about it because, well, 9-10 year olds suck at keeping secrets.  Especially when it's the girls planning it and the boys (who want NOTHING to do with the girls....yea right!) found out about it.  So obvi the boys told me on Monday and I had to wait in suspense until Friday to celebrate.  Little did I know, almost every student had either made me a card or gotten me a present.  It was one of the most heart warming experiences I have had yet in my short, young 24 years of life.  They had all planned who was bringing in plates, cups, drinks, chips, cupcakes, the whole shebang.  We ate and celebrated and it was perfect! 

I should also share that one of my students, whom I love dearly because he is sooo sweet, brought in flowers.  When he walked up to give them to me on Friday he said, "Miss Kerian, these are for you.  I picked them from my mom's garden and they are your favorite color!".  Umm....adorable.  Pictures of the flowers are attached.

Another student brought in this legit chicken decorating thing that said "Laugh" and she explained the gift like this, "I got you this because you always laugh and because there are so many animals in Iowa."  For realz?!?! Can't you just feel your heart melting away? How sweet! 

Friday after work I went out with some "teacher friends".  I have really become close with two and I feel so grateful I was able to meet them! I can't imagine my life at Pactolus or in Greenville without them.  Anyways, their present to me was a ticket to the Lady Antebellum concert in Raleigh on the last day of school.  #solegit I can't wait for that as I'm sure we will be stoked from the last day of school (#bye) and I can guarantee the stories we come back with will be cray-cray. 

On Saturday, I awoke on my birthday to 3 missed calls, 2 voicemails, and 2 texts from my father.  He decided that he was going to keep calling every hour until I answered the phone.  I mean, he's the one that says it's your "birthday week" so why can't a girl sleep in a bit on her big day?! :) Either way, once I was up, the texts/calls/messages kept rollin in.  Yet another reason I love birthdays.  It's such a wonderful reminder of the blessings you have in your life and what wonderful people you are surrounded with.  Even me, living half way across the country from my entire family and friends, I still felt the love! #soblessed #feelthelove #friendstilltheend #familyties

Saturday was amazing. Sam, Emily, and I were able to lay out ALL day Saturday and soak up some sun! For those of you who attended Courtney Shimek's bachelorette party, you may see a small piece of memorabilia.... The margs and sun were the perfect combination for a perfect day.  We later celebrated by going to see a band we love, the Emily Minor Band.  She was so fun and I think, if I do remember correctly, she even gave a birthday shout out from stage! As always, my friends and I had a blast! I love them for hanging with my on my birthday and for being groupies with me.  Always a pleasure.

I think that's all for now.  

Love and miss my friends/family back home but, listen, the weather's a.maz.balls and life is good, so maybe someone should come visit? anyone.... :) :) 

Until next time...