Another Year of Growth.

March 20th, 2011... was my 23rd birthday. Reflecting on the last 22 years has shown a lot has changed ranging from the people, relationships, perspective, occupation, education, and just simply me. i've learned there will always be good people in your life that love you unconditional, and those who stay temporarily but leave an impression... lessons are learned, tears fall, hearts are broken, but after those gloomy storms come beautiful days filled with sunshine, happiness, and a new beginning. i've learned to appreciate myself more and give myself credit, rather always doubting myself and worrying about what others think... really i should be living for myself and for those who truly care. life is beautiful so why not live it. anyways i'm just happy to know i have some amazing people in my life. well let's take a look at some of the celebrating that went on during my birthday weekend :)

Saturday March 19th, 2011: it was a rainy stormy evening, but everything ended up working out. had a nice intimate dinner with some friends and even my little sisters came out, then headed out for some bottle service at a local club with some more friends. i was surprised to see so many people came out despite the horrid weather, by the end of the night the weather cleared up and everyone had a wonderful time.

my little sisters

my friends: kyle, liz, and chris

ron and sweet sweet kelly

TE"KILLYA" SUNRISE

Henry and Des

Contemplating what to order

Foods, alright. We come for the show and the boyfriend loves the fried rice.

"raising the roof" haha

our appetizer, the something crunchy roll.

the cook we had personally sucked in my opinion, he lacked personality and rarely smiled. the bf's friend kyle was more entertaining making jokes and chanting to the chef.

of course the boyfreind would have to have two fried rices -_____-

getting the idea from his friend, the bf asked for a side of the garlic butter... i cringed at the mere fact of thinking of his arteries clogging with such things. 

volcanoe

the humongo red velvet cupcakes my love got me :) aren't they cute? lol

the birthday souvenir picture, haha

Later that evening, we got ready to go out in the horrid storm for some drinking...

the bf getting ready to run. lol

some of my guest: diane, lika, and my bestie char

jeff and miguel

with the balderamos brothers: jeff and alex :)

with the lovely judy and kelly 

marcus and charlene

marc, the bf's bff! like seriously they have a bromance thing going.

the always crazy gerard, this guy can drink for days and beat up anybody! lol

honestly i think this is when i became drunk and started taking pictures of random people.

ron & chris l.

the lovely couple chris and judy

brothers, hehe so cute :)

someone's feeling themselves.

marcus is like the total opposite of my bf, but they've known each other since kindergarten.

ewwwie sweaty, drunk, and happy. hahha

yeah i don't know, this was in the private bathroom

the boyfriend always closes his eyes, when he's drunk he swears they're open... lol i doubt that one.

told you their bffs. 

awww prom pose.

chrisitian the man in the plaid is my birthday twin.

SUNDAY MARCH 21st, 2011

had a nice little dinner at a local buffet with my family, it's hard eating with everyone since we all have different taste. my mommy made a decision to do a buffet so everyone can chose their own likings. love my mom.

my little cousins Michelline and Makenna

silly little girls

i really like this picture of my mom and i, we've had a really crazy indescribable relationship. i love her and i know she loves me through everything i am so lucky to have her to call the woman i love and look up to. she's one strong and intelligent lady. wouldn't be where i am without her.

beautiful roses from the bf :)

the boyfriend and sisters surprised me with a new gucci bag the vintage print boston bag. i loves it :)

i know have a total of 10 designer bags, slowly working my way up the list of different designers :) one day i will conquer them all!! Chanel you are on my next hit list! oh and my mommy and daddy gifted me $500.00, not too shabby for a birthday lol.

i had lunch with some girlfriends and old friends, but did not have a chance to take pictures.

what's a memorable birthday you've had?

-SHIRLEY