Michelle Cole: Since 1982

I recently celebrated a birthday. In the wake of the wreck, it was nice to have some things turn out nicely for me! I’d rather not dwell on details of the death of Stella the Xterra, so I’ll just say that recovery from the incident is moving along nicely. I seem to be out of the woods (cross your fingers!).

I purchased a new vehicle: 2008 Honda Civic Si – 6 speed manual with a vtec engine. It’s a blast to drive! I recently drove it to California for my birthday celebration. Aside from some moments of anxiety, the driving part of the trip went well, and I’m feeling more comfortable behind the wheel again. The car’s name is Gina, and she did beautifully on the drive. 33 mpg, which is a far cry from anything the Xterra would get!

My wonderful friend Pam flew out from Boston to meet me in LA for our trip to Disneyland. I picked her up on Friday (my actual birthday) and we met my parents in Oceanside. We ate at Ruby’s, which is at the end of the Oceanside pier. Here’s the view.

We ate some delicious seafood, and I splurged and got a Caramel Turtle Shake. I about died later from the rich, sugary, chocolaty caloric overload, but it was totally worth it. It was decadent. Here’s a shot of it.

Here’s the view of the pier from the hotel window.

I wish we had more time to spend at the resort, but it’s okay. We had a blast anyway. After dinner, Pam and I walked on the beach for a while. It made me so nostalgic for Italy. I celebrated my 23rd birthday on a different beach…

That’s Siracusa, Sicilia. I can’t believe that was 5 years ago. It’s insane how time flies, and at the same time, I feel like it was just a few months ago. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Italy. I still miss it just as much as I did when I first came home. I can’t wait to go back again, whenever that is…

Well. Enough with that aside. Pam and I went to Disneyland on Saturday. Highlights include the following:

• Pin trading for the first time
• Eating at the Blue Bayou (Monte Cristo – SO GOOD!)
• Haunted Mansion decorated as Nightmare Before Christmas
• The World of Color at California Adventure

The World of Color is seriously the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! Disney kicked Bellagio’s behind. The show was breathtaking. I can’t even describe it. Just go see it. It’s worth all the waiting. Here’s a snapshot.

It’s fantastic! After that, we were thoroughly exhausted. We drove back to Oceanside, slept the sleep of the post-Disneyland dead, and left before lunch Sunday so Pam could have dinner with her family.

All in all, it was a great birthday weekend! Don’t worry – the spectacular isn’t over yet! I’m having a birthday dinner with friends this weekend and another with family. The celebration continues! Hopefully 28 is an awesome year. I’m trying to welcome my “late 20s” with open arms and hope for the best.

Thanks to everyone who helped make my birthday special!