-24-

Birthdays are a big deal to me, I think they're wonderful. It's a day in which everyone remembers how glad we are that you were born and that you are part of our lives.

This week I have reminded everyone close to me, both geographically and emotionally, that my birthday was Friday, May 11th.

 I also humbly dubbed this week, "my birthday week", and used that in as many manipulative ways I could manage.

Tuesday morning Ashley and I ventured into the city to enjoy free admission to the San Francisco Botanical Garden with our friend Tanya.

this sign said, "Pennsylvanian" :)

It was a gorgeous day.

We just meandered through the garden enjoying the sunshine and talking and laughing :)

Our job is so unique mainly because our presence in one area is temporary.  It creates different blessings and obstacles, being a gypsy.  You're far from your main support, and in a way, quite vulnerable.  It's incredible the bonds that we've formed with fellow travelers in just a few months, even weeks of knowing them.  We're part of this great network and support system. We give each other advice, encouragement, and so much more.  It's an amazing group to be a part of :)

We met Tanya in Woodland Hills. Ashley noticed her on the floor and quickly befriended with her and plans for dinner one day.

Now that we've had both of our assignments in the same region we can't imagine splitting up to go separate ways after this.  What will traveling be like without each other? 

Well we won't think about that right now.. Instead we'll enjoy the next few weeks together as we excitedly discuss where our potential future assignments will be, ignoring the fact that it will be so hard to say goodbye 

We left the city and brought Tanya up to San Rafael with us.  When we got to the apartment I had a lovely package waiting for me.. 

Wednesday we did some shopping then chased the sunshine up North to Santa Rosa to lay out by our friend Leah's pool.

wine, sushi, sunshine, and friends :)

We went out to dinner in San Rafael, then late Wednesday night we went to the airport to pick up Ashley's mom, Lorainne, who is visiting for about a week.

Thursday was upon us and we had a morning of pampering planned...manicures and pedicures.

Lorainne and Ashley

Tanya

diva

After our treatments we went out for a lovely pre-birthday lunch

We parted ways as I went home for a pre-nightshift nap and the ladies went into the city.

Kaiser Permanente kept me awake as the minutes passed into my birthday..

At shift change, I was surprised by my new traveler friends, Leah and Brittany, who gave me great birthday presents and treats :)

Then I was totally surprised to come home and find our apartment like this..

There were balloons scattered through the apartment, confetti all over my bathroom, and streamers and confetti on my bed.  She also got me a great mini cake.

9am post night shift is the perfect time for birthday cake!!

I got a solid 3 hrs of sleep then woke up to prepare for the AMGEN Tour of California gala event. 

The AMGEN tour of California is a pro cycing race in through Cali. It's a pretty big deal in the cycling world, and an exciting event for enthusiasts like those in the Wallwork family.  So when I heard that the soiree before the tour was being held a mere 40 minutes from my temporary home on the day of my birth, I purchased a ticket and made my plans for a fancy evening.

It was held at Sonoma Curter winery and could not have been a more beautiful day. 

Even though my friends were unable to go, I went solo, merely for the experience and to fight the regret I may have felt had I not gone. 

For most of the beginning I milled around the grounds exploring and enjoying fine cheeses and fruits. And of course wine..

It was so peaceful to be kind of invisible for a while.  I thought a lot about my life and God's purpose for it. Where will I go next? Where will I end up? Who of these people I've met will always be a part of my life, and which are as temporary as the apartments I move in and out of every few months? 

I watched people play croquet and thought of birthday parties in the past with my family, when we played croquet and had a wonderful time with each other. I'm so grateful for my family.   I miss them so much, and so appreciate their support as I ventured out on my own. 

They called us into the dining room for dinner and the presentation of the cycling teams.

There was a middle aged woman at my table in a bright orange dress, who was highly intoxicated, verbose, offensive, and yet entertaining. Her friend was a bit tipsy herself and kept apologizing, but nobody seemed too distracted by her slurred comments.  Otherwise the people at my table kept their attention directed toward the stage.

The MCs for the evening were famous commentators Paul Sherwen and Phil Liggett.

Hearing these men's voices is so exciting.   It's the same experience Steelers fans used to have with Myron Cope. It's cycling season again. And here I was sitting just a few feet away from them.

During the dinner Paul and Phil announced the teams as they walked in to the dining room and onto a stage. Then we listened to Paul interview a couple members of the teams and discuss the race and other interesting things.  It was so cool to see these guys and hear them talk about the tour.  It's even more exciting that the tour is happening right here in Cali, through cities that I've become acquainted with these past few months.

team United Healthcare

team captain of Rabobank

horrible pic of my fav rider, TeJay Van Garderen 

Bontrager Livestrong

BMC

I have more pics but are mostly blurry and probably aren't as exciting unless you like cycling. After the presentation they switched to more of a nightclub vibe, and I headed back to San Rafael where Ashley and Tanya were waiting for me with wings and one of my favorite bottles of champagne.

We spent a few hours laughing and talking, sitting on my bedroom floor.  Then one by one we dozed off, only to wake up at about 3am and then went to our individual beds. 

Before traveling I never would have thought I'd live in California, far away from my family and what I know.  I certainly never anticipated celebrating my 24th year post night shift at a cycling gala with strangers, but I wouldn't change a thing and am so grateful for the events that have transpired in my life up to this point. 

Let's see what happens this next year, as I age to a quarter of a century :)