Guess who’s 22 today?!

Aww, wee Gabriela, many moons ago. Eyeing up that frosting, as usual.

Truth be told, I’m not a big birthday person. I don’t like being the center of attention, so going out to dinner with family or friends is way more my style than a big bash- tonight my parents are taking Lauren and me to dinner at their favorite restaurant. Should be fun! I still can’t really wrap my head around the fact that I’m 22, though.

I have an elephantine memory, so last night lying in bed I thought back to some earlier memorable birthdays:

  • In 2008, I took an accepted students tour and ate in the dining hall at Carnegie Mellon, where I went for my freshman year of college. Nerd out extraordinaire.
  • In 2006, my parents and friends threw me a surprise Sweet Sixteen party a few weeks after my birthday, even though I told them not to. I figured it out the day before and was mortified as I walked in, but it ended up being a really fun night that my parents worked very hard to put together. The cake was awesome.
  • In 2004, my parents let me watch Thirteen, which was rated R. FYI, don’t show your fourteen year old that movie. Awkward discussions.
  • In 2002, I saw A Walk To Remember in theaters with my mom, then threw a hissy fit when she made me go to cotillion that evening. My refusal wasn’t about my birthday- I was way taller than all the boys and still scared of them.
  • In 2000, my family went to The City Tavern, a colonial-themed restaurant in Philadelphia where the waitstaff dresses up in period costumes. I was going through my American Revolution phase. Such a special, special child.
  • In 1998, I had a Titanic-themed party, complete with a miniature Rose costume from my grandparents. My parents dressed up like waiters and served us “fancy” foods, and then I subjected everyone to looking at my ridiculous collection of Titanic books. Again, so special.
  • In 1995, I had a pink-themed birthday party, where the invitation explicitly asked everyone to wear pink. One of my friends showed up in a dark green taffeta dress. I was so cross.
  • In 1993, I had a Beauty and the Beast-themed party that all my cousins came to. My grandparents gave me a Beauty Barbie in a wedding dress, which I actually still have.
  • In 1992, we were skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado. Or rather, my parents were skiing, while I was in daycare. Yup, I very vaguely remember this- the room’s walls were brownish yellow with a big red stripe in the middle, and everyone had a red cubby for their things, and it smelled like plastic ski boots.
  • In 1990, I was born! On Super Bowl Sunday, no less. Hope you didn’t want to watch that game, dad…

The best thing about this birthday? The job search is over! Yesterday I was offered a full time internship with an awesome PR agency near Philly. Everyone there is so welcoming, and I have a feeling I’m going to learn a ton- I start on Monday! Best birthday present ever.

What are some of your most memorable birthdays? Did you have any fun-themed parties growing up? A close friend of mine had an American Girl themed party one year. Coolest birthday on the block.