Yesterday was my birthday, so I started off the day by walking into the kitchen and fixing myself some bacon.
It seemed like the right thing to do.
In lots of ways I feel like I’m still adjusting to this whole being-in-my-40s thing, mainly because I’m not real sure how it happened. It just seems so, I don’t know, grown, and that strikes me as sort of hilarious considering that on an average day I feel like I’m about 24 – only with a way bigger sense of responsibility and also some genuine concern for others.
You may be picking up on the fact that as far as being responsible and feeling genuinely concerned for others, 24 was not necessarily my finest hour. It was, however, a time when I felt very young and wide open to possibilities, and it’s funny to me that even though the circumstances of my life have changed drastically, I still feel really young and wide open to possibilities – almost 20 years later.
However, there’s nothing that will remind you that OH NO, SISTER – YOU’RE NOT IN YOUR 20s ANYMORE like someone saying, “Happy Birthday! How old are you today? 26?” – and then collapsing into a fit of laughter.
That happened to me about four times yesterday, by the way.
Since I’m trying really hard to avoid sugar, I asked my people to please keep the cupcakes and the birthday cake and the brownies and the whatnot far away from the birthday festivities, and they were very sweet to do just that. In lieu of cake and ice cream, A and I met D at Chuy’s for a really early supper (we prefer to eat as many meals as possible with the over-70 set), and the weather was so great that we sat on the patio and enjoyed the view (as well as the absence of stifling humidity). It was a great, laid-back way to celebrate; D and I put the hurt on some chicken fajitas while Alex dug into a burrito dish that he affectionately calls “Cheese Mountain.”
Honestly, it would be impossible to not have great affection for a mountain-o-cheese.
After dinner I did my best to put a dent in a gift card that D gave me, and then I headed to Bible study. It was a treat to wrap up the day with some of my favorite people – and with a mighty good lesson, too.
So all in all: yay, birthday. The whole day was such a sweet reminder of how intricately God works in and through our relationships, and the older I get, the more I marvel at how much He teaches me through the people that He has placed in my life. I am unspeakably grateful for that, and I would be such a train wreck on my own. I have been such a train wreck on my own. Have mercy.
Anyway, that’s pretty much the gist of what’s been going on around here. This weekend Sister and I are driving up to Lexington, Kentucky to see the Bulldogs play, and I cannot wait. I’ve never been to Lexington before, so if you have any restaurant recommendations, fire away. I can’t wait to see that part of the country – especially when the weather is this beautiful.
Happy Thursday, y’all!
Happy belated! Ramsey’s is great and their pies are pretty much to die for (if you would be making an exception on your low/no sugar plan). Their High Street location is the most homey. Joe Bologna’s is an Italian restaurant housed in an 1890’s Presbyterian church turned synagogue. It’s pretty unique. Magee’s Bakery has some of the best doughnuts I’ve ever eaten and a nice deli lunch.
I would highly recommend that you eat at least one meal at Sutton’s. (suttonsrestaurant.com) This is our family’s favorite place to eat. The food is soooo good and they have a nice patio. You will not be disappointed. Now that I think about it, I might just need my husband to take us for dinner tonight!
Let us know where you end up going. Hope you enjoy your weekend in Lexington!
Happy Birthday. Chuy’s+ Patio= Perfection.
God’s Grace and Mercy keep most of us from being a train wreck. Without some wonderful Christian friends praying like mad and loving me, I would be a train wreck with a side car of madness.
That sounds like a wonderful way to spend your day. I’m glad you had a happy day!
Oh, and I’m SO glad to know I wasn’t the only one to not be at my best at 24!
Yesterday was my birthday, too! Happy Birthday, birthday twin! I hope you had a nice day.
My twin sister and I were born on October 3! This getting older thing is for the birds but I keep telling myself it beats the alternative. Hope the next 364 days are fabulous for all of us!
Try Malone’s this weekend. http://www.bluegrasshospitality.com/malones/
And if your looking for a great place to worship, go to Quest Community Church. Saturday service starts at 5:55 pm and Sunday at 9:30 am and 11:30 am. God ALWAYS shows up and blessings are had by all!!!
Enjoy the Bluegrass State……………closest thing to heaven on earth! :-)
Ramsey’s and Joe Bologna are on our date night wish list. We pass them on the way to church every week.
The weather forecast is for cold rainy weather this weekend so you’ll want to pack layers. :)
I need a weekend away too. Can I go with y’all? ;’)
Ramsey’s!! Josies is great for brunch, too! And Keeneland starts this weekend- go watch some horse racing if you get the chance. Lexington is beautiful this time of year. And we have two extra tickets to the game if any of your friends want to come along! ;)
I agree with Ramsey’s and Joe Bologna’s. You can eat breakfast at Keenland and watch the horses warm up. If you like ginger ale, be sure to try KY’s own soft drink, Ale-8-One. If the weather’s good and you like a walk in the garden, check out the arboretum which is near UK’s campus. Have a great time!!
Happy belated Birthday, Sophie!! I read every one of your posts and have for the last two-three years and I’d just like to say thank you for sharing a part of your life and your thoughts with us. Thanks for the laughs and the links to some super spiritual posts that have truly blessed me. Thanks for sharing your craZINESS and being willing to put it out there! Many more years to you, friend!!
I went to UK, and when we visit we always go to Ramseys! Make sure you get some of the pie while you are there. Also, Joe Bologna’s is a good pizza place in an old church building. And, if you can make it to Keeneland it would be totally worth it. Keeneland is open for horse racing in April and October. It is the kind of racing where people get very dressed up…very Lexington and in the heart of horse country. Beautiful. It is actually going to be pretty chilly this weekend, in the 50’s. Have fun! Oh, I almost forgot…there is a place downtown called Alfalfa restaurant that is hometown and just awesome. They have Hoppin’ Johns!!
Happy birthday!! Anything to do with cheese is heavenly.
OOHHH!!! You’ll be in my neck of the woods! (My hubby works at UK.) Too bad the CATS are a bit wimpy this year. Maybe you can come back during basketball season so there’s some sort of competition:) The first place I thought of food-wise is Smashing Tomato. It’s a local place that has wood fired pizza and the most amazing Caesar salad. YUM! They sometimes have game day specials too! There’s a lot of fun places downtown closer to campus too. Enjoy Lexington. I think it’s such a beautiful city. I love the rolling hills and horse farms everywhere. (What I don’t love is the traffic…so for that, I’m sorry!) And hey, if you want some dinner company I’d love to meet up!!
Sounds like it was a great day!
Happy Belated Birthday to you, and safe travels to Lexington! I was not born there, but did lots of my growing up there and consider it my hometown. It is a beautiful place – the leaves should be just before peak, so it will be lovely! I can’t recommend any restaurants, as I have been gone from there for 20+ years, but do see if you can get your hands on something called “Hall’s Snappy Beer Cheese” at the local grocery. It is divine! Enjoy your trip~
Wish you were going to have typical fall weather, it is usually so wonderful, but have fun anyway. There are so many good restaurants, depending on what you’re in the mood for and where you’re staying. I like Sal’s and Malone’s (same owner side by side) and there are several new ones downtown that have gotten great reviews- The Village Idiot, Shakepeare and Co, and Rosetta. For breakfast Doodles is yummy, it’s downtown too. Keeneland is way fun, but it will be crowded because it’s opening weekend, and I think reserved seats are sold out. Have fun with your sweet sister.
Bella Notte was our favorite restaurant when we lived there. I also second everyone’s recommendations of Ramsey’s. Have fun!
A belated happy birthday to you. It sounds like it was a good ‘un.
Happy happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday! What? They don’t believe you’re 26? Shame on them. ;)
Happy Birthday! I’m in my 40’s now, but in my mind I am 25. Which is amazing, because my 23 year old daughters have almost caught up to me. :-D We dont have Chuys here, but it sounds yummy. I love Red Robin on my birthday. Have fun with Sister!
A belated Happy Birthday to you! I hope this year is blessed beyond your imagination!
Happy, HAPPY birthday, Boo Mama! Wishing you a fun birthday weekend, and ALL of God’s blessings in the year to come!
Happy Birthday! Mine was on Sunday, so we’re close.
My oldest is a senior this year. it’s mind-boggling to me that he will soon be in college because I’M still in college. That is, technically I’m not and haven’t been in, oh, 20 years or so. But.
Happy birthday, Sophie! God created you because the world needed you, and because He delights in *you* . . . and so do we!
Happiest of birthdays to you! And way to go, avoiding sugar even on your birthday! Impressive! I hope the Bulldogs win to make the birthday celebrations complete.
We share a birthday! Happy Birthday to my Birthday Sista!
Heirloom in Miday, Ky, just outside of Lexington. It has won many awards and is always amazing. GO.
Happy birthday, Sophie! You consistently bring a smile to my face.
You ARE 26, just with lots of experience. So glad God shared you with the world.
I love Lexington!. I do not love UK!
It its gorgeous there! I’m a Kentuckian but can’t think of a single place to recommend to eat there.
Happy Birthday!!
So glad you had an amazing Birthday! You deserve it!
And what better way to celebrate than Chuy’s!?!
Everytime we go, I hope to see you there!! Have a great weekend!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Belated Birthday!!! If you want a great burger..there is a great place near campus…it is called “Hugh Jass Burgers”. And yes…I think they mean for it to sound that way. My husband bought the T-shirt…but isn’t allowed to wear it in public or around the children…ha
Happy belated birthday! My husband shares your birthday, too. Sounds like you had a delightful evening. Hope you’re having a great time on your trip to KY. (All of these restaurant recommendations are making me want to jump in my car and take a road trip to experience some good ol’ Southern cooking!)
Happy belated birthday. Hope it was a wonderful weekend for you – it was football perfection in the state of SC yesterday, and I hated to miss it!
Happy Belated Birthday! Thanking God along with you for His Grace.
Blessings always,
Kaye
Thank you for answering my question. I have been finding it very
hard to get what I need, but you have provided it finally my search is over.
I would like to subscribe if you have a way to do that.
Thanks.