Birthdays, cocktails, book signings, and a dark knight oh my!

Last month was filled with many surprises, celebrations, loads of fun, and one very big milestone; I turned 29! Ok…maybe 29 isn’t a milestone for most, but for me its extremely important as it memorializes my official last year of my twenties. I am usually thrilled to pieces around time for my birthday, but this one evoked more irrational nervousness than thrills and cheers. Now I don’t know if it was the few gray hairs I found framing my forehead or the crack of my hip one morning as I got out of bed, but the thought of 29 was really giving me the blues, and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t shake it. I guess it’s because I know 30 is right around the corner, and whether I like to admit it or not, 30 is scary (please refer to above mentioned irrational nerves). So to prevent me from falling into full-fledged Eeyore, my closest Jane’s and I decided to ring in this birthday right by celebrating the 29^th year of my escape from the womb for an entire week straight.

It started with a book signing of one of my favorite authors, cupcakes, and a Melting pot. I’ve never been to a book signing- despite what my mother may argue- so I was ecstatic to hear that the bestie (Otherwise known as Jane S.) would be escorting me to a short reading and signing of one of my favorite bestselling authors Jennifer Weiner to promote her new book The Next Best Thing, and kick of my week of celebrations. By the by, the cupcakes and treats were flowing by the dozens- WIN!

 I had so much fun; Jennifer was funny, and personable, such a sweetheart, and to my surprise took the time out to speak to me directly and give me some much needed advice regarding writers block and getting published! I left that signing feeling energized, inspired and quite hungry as all the jumping up and down in excitement was quite the work out. By the way, in addition to signing my ENTIRE collection of her novels, check out the swag Jennifer gave me after our little talk as a thank you and keep your head in the game token.

Officially the coolest reader at the beach with my JW beach towl!

Did I mention she also personally commented on a picture I posted of her, the bestie and I at her book signing via Facebook???! Yeah…that happened. Because you know, were best friends now. True story.

After the book signing fun Jane S. decided to take me on a tour of the local hot spots of the area, which lead us to The Melting Pot in Downtown Pasadena. I’d actually never been to The Melting Pot, so the whole experience had me giddy and ultimately hopping around like a kid in a candy store. But really…could you blame me, look at the dessert platter that comes with a luscious pot of dark chocolate/caramel dipping sauce; Yummmmmmm.

Next on the agenda was cocktails and a dinner date I had with another close Jane of mine- Jane C. We went to Newport Beach to dine at one of the most creatively decorated restaurants I’ve ever been to- The Cannery. The food was Ah-Ma-zing, the ambiance was stylish, and the cocktails were divine.

Check out the blown-glass Jelly Fish lamps!

Next up was another book signing with my Cuzzo of another of my favorite authors, Chuck Palahniuk to promote his new book Invisible Monsters Remix . Not only did I have a blast, (oh and Chuck- yep, I call him Chuck now, we’re tight like that-tweeted a picture of me and the cuzzo to commemorate the evening) we all had the opportunity to see this amazing writer in a light usually reserved for only his nearest and dearest. It was so amazing, so ri-don-culously amazing. And there’s video to prove it!

I'm the one in the tan-ish top that almost ninja kicked this woman that was trying to tiger block me (that will make sense after watching).

Next was my date with the hubby and ladybug, the beautiful rolling hills of Malibu, and a Dark Knight (my condolences to all family members of Aurora. My heart aches for all of you). It’s hard to express happiness on a day stricken by tragedy. I tell you, I don’t know about this world sometimes.

The Dark Knight Rises was incredible and was everything (and more) that I expected the epic conclusion of its trilogy to be. Tom Hardy as Bane, was so close to the comic book depiction it was almost scary, and Anne Hathaway (whom I’m convinced I will be friends with one day) was the perfect vision of Catwoman. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend you get off your arse and check it out. YOU WILL LOOOVVEEE it! Best of all, the day of my actual escape from the womb was filled with love, from my two favorite people ever.

I seriously heart these two so much

The fun didn’t stop there, oh no sir, there’s more. The day after my birthday Jane S. and C joined me and the Hubby at one of my favorite spots- The House of Blues Anaheim Downtown Disney-for dinner and 29 celebrations. 

My girls!

We got there at about 8:30ish and had seats outside, so to my utter surprise and delight, when I looked up to see the firework show from Disneyland which is attached to the strip we were on above our heads, my birthday celebrations felt even more special and totally tailored for me (please don’t kill me delusions- a girl can dream if she wants to). It was so much fun, and probably one of the best times I’ve had in a long time; I was even more shocked to receive an unexpected, um...birthday dance (???), from a total stranger to top my night off.

 The entire night we laughed louder than usual, and cheered to our hearts content. I’ve never felt so special. I can’t say the nerves are completely settled about my impending 30’s, but it helps to know that no matter what’s going on in my life, I have the most amazing group friends that I know I can count on to cheer me on, and help keep my irrational Eeyor moments at bay.  True Story.

Yep...we're total G's don't cha know.