My Golden Birthday

Dear Familia,

This year I turn 29 on the 29th; it's my Golden Birthday. I am incredibly blessed in my life and I want to do something to commemorate my first 3 decades on this planet. In honor of this lucky year I am doing a 30 b4 30 list of things that I want to accomplish while I am 29. I'll make sure and do a post as I accomplish each goal.

My HKS YearBook Photo taken by Cristina Garmendia

Love,
Jem

Engaged! (a recap of the bday weekend)

Dear Familia,

My birthday festivities started at midnight on April 29th and continued right through till Sunday morning! On Saturday afternoon Sam and Sarah, Tara and her family, Roberta, and Sari and her kids came over for the Grilled Cheese Party. It was great to have everyone over, especially because Zane made a birthday toast that turned into a proposal that I happily accepted!! He got down on one knee and everything :) After the party, Auntie Lisa invited us out to Queen Creek for a celebratory sushi dinner that was delicious and so fun. Then we had breakfast with Auntie Lucy on Sunday morning before Zane flew back to DC. It was an incredible weekend to say the least! Unfortunately only cell phone pics were taken of us after the engagement, but I will make sure we have some beauties on our wedding website!

Paz,

Jem

My 27th Birthday

Dear Familia,

Happy Birthday to me!! So far, it’s been a great day. I picked Zane up at the airport last night around 11 pm and by the time we got home and settled he was the first one to wish me Happy Birthday and give me a birthday present. He told me yesterday that he had forgotten to get me a gift, but it turns out he got me a plane ticket to DC to go see him this summer. Do I have the best boyfriend, or what?? I was pretty happy just getting to see him this weekend!

Johnny, Rudy, and Madi woke up early to wish me Happy Birthday (and say hello to Zane) and then everyone woke up and instructed me to stay in the room for a few minutes. I went out and they had decorated the dining room with a very spicy theme. Literally! There were chilis, and hot sauces (tabasco and franks, two of my favs), spicy chips (flaming hot cheetos and jalepeño poor brothers), and hot tamale favors for tonight and tomorrow. It was awesome! They all sang me happy birthday before I tore into a bag of flaming hots! Haha.

Tonight Alysha, Auntie Lisa, and Nina are coming over and we are going to eat some delicious Mexican food from Casa Reynoso. If you’ve never tried it, you are missing out. Big time.

Paz,

Jem