T-Minus 4 Hours Until 24

Oh boy, here it comes. The last few hours before that day of the year that makes always me feel excited, nervous, anxious, emotional, and slightly crazy–all at the same time. Isn’t it weird how this one day, a number of years after your birth, can get you all worked up (at least after 21, it seems)? Quite a few of my friends have had birthdays these past couple weeks and I’m guessing they may have felt something like this rollercoaster of emotions as well…or maybe I just think too much. But it’s amazing to think how far we’ve come: the people we’ve met and lost, the things we’ve seen and heard, the countless obstacles we’ve overcome, and hopefully even more than all that–the people we’ve helped in some way. Right now in this moment I’m feeling more sure of myself than ever in one sense, but have also never been more scared at how “real” shit is getting in life.

But no matter what, one thing that I want to promise myself before the clock strikes twelve, is to never lose optimism, child-like creativity* and hope. The gift I want to give myself is self-trust and true confidence in myself and those I love. I never want to take them for granted. We always have something to be grateful for, and we should never forget that. Ever.

Well then…done with the heavy stuff and onto the new! I’m starting my ripe new age with a good 12 hours of sleep (it’s 8:34pm right now) and prepping for a Harry Potter themed birthday party at our work studio tomorrow (*don’t lose childish creativity). We’re going to make butter beer & chocolate frogs, but also some of our Feastly favorites like watermelon sangria and baked brie with charcuturie…maybe even Chinese take-out because why not?! And my wonderful coworkers are baking up some insanely yummy treats. Think pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese and funfetti cake from scratch–my weakness. My costume looks like an awkward Asian version of Luna Lovegood, but during the day I think I’m going to dress up as Dobby the Elf by wearing a grey sack dress, because it’s been so freaking hot here in San Francisco (100+ farenheit the entire week). Will is going to bring his projector up to play the Harry Potter movies and also red wine and baguettes. How very French of him, hehe. By the way, did you know that wands are called “baguettes” in the French version of HP?? I nearly cried from laughter when I heard this. Alright…now it’s 8:51pm so I’m going to head off to beauty sleep. Goodnight to all you lovelies and see you when I’m 24! ;)

xoxo,
Joce

Update, 9/14/2015:
Photos from the Harry Potter Party! And Will surprised me with a secret weekend getaway to Larkspur in North Bay…we soaked in the jacuzzi, sang songs, ate 4-course fondue at the Melting Pot and strolled through the local neighborhood. I don’t know how I can ever beat his presents :(