Getting Lit With Friends

 It had been years in the planning and so finally my friend group was able to get together with our significant others for a date night and drinks.

The last time we hung out with our husbands was literally YEARS ago and it was a tame night out at a Japanese restaurant for sushi. 

This time around we wanted to get a little more lit, so we went to a restaurant/bar to celebrate good friendships, good relationships and all the past birthdays in the group.

When I say we got lit. We got lit!! Well, I got LIT. I lit up like the stars in the night sky after one too many drinks. But boy did it feel amazing.  I felt amazing.  It was a truly lit night.

Happy 42 Years To Me!

 It had been a rough go in August and I thought maybe my birthday was ruined. But it all got turned around and September 26th, 2022 marked a very special day and year for me.

Not only was I was alive to celebrate another birthday but I realized my strength and power. I went through hell and emerged stronger and more powerful than I ever thought I could be.

It was a cause for celebration and I did just that. It didn't have to be a huge celebration but I wanted the chance to fill my special day with the best memories. I wanted to mark the occasion and that called for dinner and cake  and family time. PF Changs was calling my name so I answered.

My Birthday Weekend Celebration

 I did it pretty big this year in celebrating my 42nd birthday and I have no regrets. I probaly could've gone bigger but a girl knows when to chill, ok. 

First off, I wanted to take a trip, but not just any trip.  I wanted a beach trip to a nice, fancy resort. I can be a little bougie sometimes, but hey, it was my birthday so I felt I deserved it. Besides, when else do you get free reign to just spoil yourself guilt free? 

So hubby and I plus the youngest of our brood went on a mini weekend getaway to the JW Marriot Resort and Spa in Guanacaste.  When I say it was a vibe, babyyyy it was a VIBE!!

The hotel was amazing. I was able to relax the entire weekend, leaving me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. We spent time as a family by the pool most of the time but we also got a chance to ride bikes, rented free of charge from the hotel. I had no ridden a bicycle in over 20 years and it was so much fun.

The staff was impeccable. We received top tier service all weekend long. It was the best way I could have spent my birthday weekend for sure and I cannot wait to go back.

The Junior/Senior "Prom"

As the school year draws near it's end, formal activities for graduates commence including the prom.

In Costa Rica, the prom is a bit different than in the states. First of all, 6th graders graduate and go to high school which starts in 7th grade so they get a Graduation dance. And this dance isn't just for the grads, families are urged to attend. 

As for the seniors, the same thing goes. High school ends in the 11th grade so the Grad dance is essentially a prom. However,  instead of a date, seniors take their parents and any other family member that wants to go. In Costa Rica, proms are a family affair. You can, of course, take a date but usually its mom and dad and a sibling or two.

And if you're wondering, no the graduates do not die of embarrassment bringing their parents to the dance. It's actually a fun family friendly event. There is something for everyone; entertainment, shows, music, dancers, the works!

Now usually, grad dances/ the prom are reserved for 6th and 11th graders, since they are officially graduating. However,  in Costa Rica you do essentially "graduate" 9th grade and receive a title, officially allowing you to get a job. 

And in the case of my daughter's high school, she was also awarded with a graduation dance which we attended as a family.

It was a memorable night for sure. And most importantly, the graduates had fun

His 14th Year

 I look forward to celebrations, especially birthdays. So when it came time to celebrate my son's 14th birthday, I wanted to make sure to do it right. I wanted to make the day special, which meant doing whatever he wanted to do. 

And all he wanted to do was go out to eat and money to go shopping. Easy enough. I could have done more, done it bigger. I could have been extra but it was his day, not mine ( more on my upcoming birthday soon). 

What my birthday boy wants, he gets. So we went to his restaurant of choice, which was Outback Steakhouse. And he was gifted cash money, and lots of it, to ball out however he saw fit.

The celebration continued all weekend with a trip to the mall so birthday boy could spend some of his money. However, little brother just had to make a pit stop at the arcade.

To end the evening, birthday boy chose Dominoes for dinner and a milkshake as a sweet treat. It was a simply memorable birthday.