What To Do On My Birthday?

I don't really have all that much planned today, other than I am going to see The Hunger Games tonight at my favorite theater with Adam, Josh and David.  I will say, that the mint chocolate chip protein ice cream came out SO GOOD - I doubled the recipe, and put twice as much peppermint extract in it.  Yeah - for next time, only 1/8 of a teaspoon is enough - 1/4 of a teaspoon made this REALLY pepperminty :D haha  It was even better than the chocolate peanut butter one though - so good!  I am including a picture of it as it is what I am having for breakfast LOL - (don't hate on that haters - Yes, I'm having ice cream for breakfast but #1) it's my birthday, and #2) It has 22grams of protein per serving, 1.5 g fat, and like 120 calories for ALL of it - I'll eat about 1/2 lol).

On a serious note, my birthday started before midnight last night.  I received a Facebook message from one of my dear friends.  While we have only met in person a handful of times, we always keep in touch (have been online gaming friends for YEARS).  His message to me literally made me cry because of the content of the message.  He said things to me like how my weight loss journey inspires him to resolve some of his own shortcomings, and he said what truly stands out about me is my sense of courage and self-worth.  I really didn't know what to say after reading that, but that's when I lost it.  The letter goes on to say that regardless of what others may have said about me throughout my life, I stay upbeat and resilient, refusing to compromise whereas 99% of the other people in similar situations would have done that or given up.  It's scary how well he knows me, but it's even more scary that I really don't think about those things when I say what I say or do what I do.  I just do what feels right, from the heart, without thinking about how I will look afterwards.  I believe in always pursuing your dreams, regardless of obstacles in your path.  To have someone that I haven't physically seen very often say those things about me, well, I was completely speechless (which for those that know me is something that I am not very often <grin>).  

So, to my friend that sent this to me, I just want to say that while I have gotten some great birthday gifts this year, I truly think that your letter was the best gift of all.  It made my heart sing and validated what I believe is a lifelong quest to just truly be the best you can be, regardless of the situational circumstances I find myself in.  Thank you for your kind words, and for being a truly excellent friend.  I love you very much!!

Adam and I had a conversation after I read to him the letter and he said to me, "well, you know he's right, right?"  I guess I never really thought about it before, truly.  Adam went on to say that while I was in the hospital I had floods of likes on his postings giving surgery updates and comments ranging in the 30+ for EACH posting that he put up.  I can also say that since I've been out of the hospital the outpouring of support, love, friendship, etc. I have encountered has been greater than I ever hoped for.  I feel like you're all on this journey with me, doing it with me, and we are all learning from each other.  Thank you for your kind words, and your support.  It means the world to me.

On that note, thanks to all out there for the awesome birthday wishes!  I appreciate all of you and just know that while you have called me an inspiration for you, you truly are all inspirations to me while traveling through this weight loss crusade.

Huge hugs, and a wonderful day to each of you!