Taking A Bow On 25

Yesterday was my birthday! I have now been 26 for 24 hours but I would like to share my last 24 of 25.

My day started out quite nice with a little sleeping in. Shortly after waking up, and I am thankful that I at least get to say after, I received messages from my boss regarding work things. C'est la vie- it wasn't going to all be perfect. Let's fast forward! I went to see Cats.

I know this isn't Nerdom but bare with me for a second. You movie buffs and musical snobs can scoff at me all you want, but I desperately wanted to see this movie. Cats was the first musical I had ever seen. I remember perching on the side of my grandparents bed watching Cats on VHS on this tiny fuzzy screen and being enthralled. It is probably what started my love of musicals actually- Relaxing with my grandmother and watching such a captivating show. It's a genuinely warm memory for me. So, when I heard they were remaking it, even though it immediately became meme fuel, I was excited. And now I can say, I wasn't disappointed. I am sure a lot of people won't like it, it was really CGI'd and they added a couple unnecessary/cheesy scenes here and there for Rebel Wilson and James Corden. But they did a beautiful job with the music and choreography, it made me giddy like a child all over again when those first notes rang out and I realized they were staying true to the original score. I get goosebumps just thinking of some of my favorite songs. Others may scoff, but this movie made me really happy, and I will take that feeling where I can get it. 25 might not have always been kind but it wanted to give me sweet goodbye, I think.

After the movie I went to my favorite restaurant for a yummy lunch. If the you have ever had a lunch date with me you might have ended up at Smile of Siam. That's not a bad thing.

I have been dining at this locally-owned treasure for almost a decade now. Needless to say, I have eaten many a birthday meals there. I became friends with the original owner early on and when she sold, she made sure to introduce me to the new owner, who became our friend too. The owners have always been so kind to me and made sure I had a nice birthday lunch. While I was there I felt 25 whisper to me about the kindness of strangers. I thought about how strangers can become friends and I was very thankful for that. I am trying not to be too mushy tonight so lets move this party train right along.

We eventually made our way to the city. Yes, I headed downtown Chicago for the evening of my birthday, which should be noted is not like me. But, you see, I had a goal: I. Wanted. Food.

I like food a lot. More than the average bear I'd say. I have been wanting to go to a Japanese BBQ for a LONG time. Well, my birthday wish was granted. I won't harp on this too much, the food was very, very yummy. For a fun experience and yummy food, I highly recommend you give this a try. For everyone to have optimum grill time, I advise no larger than a group of four, though we had seven and it was still fun. I think though, that I should admit, that my anxiety was quite high all day. It was the soundtrack of my day and had me pretty wiped out by dinner. That can be hard no matter what but I found myself disappointed more than anything that I had not been able to settle my self down and it had robbed some of the day for me. To be honest, it felt like how most of 25 had felt. I didn't think 26 would feel magically different but I had been praying frantically that 26 would be a better year. I was sad that this was not the best start, mentally or emotionally. But, at that restaurant, I had friends that did not scoff or push or shame me for it. They loved me so fiercely that I cannot think of a better start than that.

And then it was time for some laughs. Because we all need some laughs, and my husband, going above and beyond like usual, found me some nerdy laughs. I am truly blessed.

I love plays & musicals and I love me some nerdy things. Believe it or not there is a combo order for that, it's called: Potted Potter. We had a great time. If you like Harry Potter and you ever get the chance to see it, do it. It is not anything you could anticipate and it is better that way. I was more than pleasantly surprised. I laughed until I cried at times and we just enjoyed ourselves, unfiltered. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day to the imperfect 25 year old me, all saying hello to the 26 year old me to be.

I am not sure where this year will take me. I know now that 25 was for learning and growing and strengthening. It won't be for another 364 days before I know what 26 was for but I will walk it nonetheless.

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Thank you all for tuning in to this messy post. I also want to say thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday yesterday. I carried all of your well wishes with me and will continue to do so. I genuinely appreciate it so much. That is all for The Mess here on My Mess. This Wednesday is Christmas! I am unsure at this time as to whether I will be posting in Nerdom here on My Mess on Wednesday, so if I do not, I want you all to know I am thinking about you on this holiday. I am praying for you and I am wishing you the happiest of holidays. Have an incredible week my friends, and if it gets a little messy, roll in it.