I'm not one to make a big deal out of my birthday. Usually I'm just like "eh, I'm a year older"; but it usually seems like my friend's always want to celebrate it and throw parties... and I'm never one to decline that! Last night Jenny decided to through and spur of the moment pizza party for me at her place. Brian, Jen, Sebastian, Sameera, and Lis came. It was such a fun small get together filled with lots of ridiculous laughs.
Today was my actual birthday and this morning I went skiing. We've been getting so much snow this year that all 30 or so times I've been this season has been powder. Today was the first hard pack day and completely different conditions than I'm used to here in Utah. I had a blast though and got some practice on the moguls. Then I went into work and my day was filled with random texts, emails, and phone calls wishing me a good day. Near the end of the day Sameera came into my office with her violin and played Happy Birthday. It was such a hoot! She even gave me a lesson. These are exactly the types of moments I love about birthdays; not about getting gifts, but about heartfelt fun and laughter. She ended up playing a couple other songs we found on the internet. I'm sure my labmate was not too happy with the noise. Then I went to my creative writing group where we had cake and indulged in more laughter and conversation. A great day!
This brings me to something that I would rather not mention, but I feel is important and has been on my mind throughout the day. Today marks the year anniversary of the Trolley Square mall shooting here in Salt Lake where a gunman entered the mall and killed five people, wounding many others. Last year we decided to go there for my birthday dinner and got there just minutes before the chaos started. It really was the worst and scariest night of my life and an experience that I truly wish I could forget, although I know I never will. Sometimes I think about writing a narrative about the experience, but often shy away from doing such. I'm not sure I have it in me to do that.
The experience didn't change who I am or didn't have any significant effects on my psyche. But I believe that I rose from what was the darkest night of my life and truly embraced life this past year. This past year of being 28 really was the best year of my life and I think it may have to do with that tragic night. My relationships with people are stronger because I make more of an effort, I find myself taking risks more often, and I just feel like I don't pass up any opportunities to LIVE life. I feel so grateful that my friends and I were safe that night; because we really did dodge a very close bullet. I just hope that 29 treats me half as good as 28; besides those first few weeks, it was a damn fine year!
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