The New 20

I decided to approach my 30th birthday with excitement about seeing all of my girls rather than being bummed about leaving another decade behind. I can't even imagine how much thinking and emailing and organizing and creating went into planning the weekend - and how on earth they all (especially R, since we generally share updates on our lives like a CNN news ticker) were able to keep it a secret!

Friday: Got R from the airport and bummed around drinking chai. Went for a walk, got R to play personal shopper and find me a birthday dress, did lunch and then Tinis and Toes (P.S. check out the names of their waxing services if you visit that site)! L-Woww and J-Ho arrived. Managed to catch up on all the gossip that all 4 of us had with all of us talking simultaneously. Donned our rockstar attire, got Ree from the airport, and toasted with Ms. M and Ms. K. Read the fabulous book presented to me with pictures and messages from everyone I could possibly think of. Dined at Shaba Shabu. Went to a karaoke bar (to knock that off the list) and learned that we were not only the coolest people there but also "unattainable" women. ;) Vogued as a group, Joyrided alone, and cheered R along as she took her Journey. Slumber partied at home with Love Actually.

Saturday: Opened a suitcase chock full of presents from Ree and C. Donned my tiara and brunched in our PJ's with the mimosas and cake that Ms. M and Ms. K brought over. Changed into our matching t-shirts, complete with a poem on the back - yes, they even ordered shirts to commemorate the weekend! Walked to the grocery store for more snackage. Dressed up all girly and went to afternoon tea at The Umstead. Bought matching PJ pants and wore them at home before getting dolled up again. Binged on truffle mac 'n cheese, truffle fries, fondue, risotto, and pina colada and mocha cupcakes at Solas. Made some friends at the rooftop bar who bought us endless bottles of bubbly. Bought a drink for a large car salesman (another one off the list) who ended up being escorted out. Oops. Went home to devour frozen tater tots and pizza because we're classy like that.

Sunday: Said a sad goodbye to J-Ho. Brunched at NOFO. Said a sad goodbye to L-Woww. Took R and Ree to the mall, where we picked up free Sephora birthday gifts and amused ourselves with Desi(red) shirts. Said a sad goodbye to Ree. Searched for food with R (because we can never find what we want). Ate Thai and fell asleep watching the best episode of SATC ever.

Monday: Gossiped over chai and found out R's flight was canceled. Took the afternoon off to shop and get drinks at Mez. Lost track of time and got to the airport a leeetle too late. Oops. Decided that excitement over another few hours of RoNi time outweighed guilt over making R miss her flight. Watched 90210 until time to go to the airport yet again. Said a sad goodbye to R. Went home to sip on leftover champagne while re-reading my book and cards and playing with my presents.