I've Got Sunshine.

It doesn't seem too much to ask to have expectations for your birthday. I suppose I just thought it would be nice if the entire world (including the sunshine) would want to wake up that morning and celebrate...well...me. You can imagine my disappointment when I looked at the weather the day before my birthday and saw that a record low would be making its way into Oklahoma on the following day.

You can imagine my reaction when I rounded the corner after venting to my coworkers, only to find a beautiful banner with the words, "I've got sunshine on my birthday". Encircling my entire desk, picture after picture of sunshine surrounded me. All I could do was shed a happy tear and hug the necks of those I share 8 or more hours of my day with.

The following morning I went to bed only to wake up to my husbands cheerful voice singing happy birthday and beautiful clothes hanging in front of me-a peach floral dress and a sheer top (with appropriate attire to wear beneath them).

Once at work, I was greeted with a beautiful card and homemade strawberry jam (my favorite).







I rushed off that morning to attend my first meeting and wrapped it up with a sweet birthday wish and striped pink bag. Inside was a package of my favorite ink pens and bright-yellow wallet.








Minutes later, my coworkers called me into the supervisor's office where each of my friends stood around delicious angel-food cakes, a handmade banner with personal notes, and a sweet card each of them signed. As I stood there, they asked me to open the card-only to find an additional note sharing how much they cared about me. Then, paperclipped behind the note was...

...$103.00.

I. was. speechless.

Tears flooded my face as I thought of each of the sacrifices my coworkers must have made to contribute to making my birthday special. Money is tight, and we certainly don't do what we do for the cash.

"Thank you," was all I could say as the tears continued to stream down my cheeks.

I spent my lunch hour trying to do justice for the gift I had received-making thank you emails to each of my coworkers.  Then, I went about my day.

That night was equally as special as I wrapped up at my desk and found a single yellow rose and a sticky note from a dear friend. "Happy Birthday. Thought your day deserved some bright and cheery! Love, Ginger".

Wow.

I walked in to teach my class only to be greeted with two of the sweetest people I have the pleasure of serving. In their hands was a large white bag as they shared they had brought me some delicious goodies to celebrate my big day, and boy were they delicious!

I shared the yummy brownies and cookies that the dad had brought from his work at the Devon towers downtown (he is such a talented chef). Then, we wrapped up class that evening with everyone singing in chorus that birthday song!

I couldn't wait to get home to my hubby and share my day with him. That night I ended it the same day it began-with a hug and a kiss from the man of my dreams.

Sunshine-filled days are the best.