My friends are better than your friends!

I had the best birthday I could have asked for. I wasn't even expecting that much. I mean, as you get older, birthdays seem less and less important. I remember when I was elementary school, I'd plan my birthday way far in advance and even make my invitations and party bags and such. Oh how I miss those days.

But this year was one of the best birthdays. Mom left for Japan so I was a little sad, but she left to go take care of my grandma so, she had a legit reason. The day before my birthday my sisters and I had the opportunity to sing together in church for the first time since Sachi's homecoming. I love singing with my sisters! Mike Van is the greatest and came to watch us. What a great friend.

Afterwards, my family and Aaron and I had dinner at my parents. We had some delicious ice cream and cake that Misako so graciously prepared for me. Opened presents. I got a magic bullet!! I cannot wait to use it! and I got socks and a lot of other great things. (I love socks.) It was a great celebration.

On my birthday, I had to go to school/work, unfortunately. But Aaron came up to surprise me and took me to Tuscany's. Such a great place! Light up menus, way way cool!

Then yesterday Mike Van wanted to treat me to dinner so we decided to go to Texas Road House. And I was planning on seeing Aaron afterwards so I was really excited for that night. But then Aaron texted me and said he couldn't come up so, that kinda got me down. Anyway, so Mike came over and told me we had about 15 minutes to kill. So I used that to my advantage and had him fix a few things--my furnace, a few light bulbs, and my cabinet. Its nice having a guy around the house! Then Misa called me:

Misa: HAPPY BIRTHDAY~!!!

Mari: ...what?

Misa: ...happy birthday...

Mari: uh...do you know who you're talking to?

Misa: Mari??

Mari: What???

I was so confused because my birthday was on monday and didn't know if she was calling the wrong person. Then Mike intervened and told me she just called to tell me happy birthday because she knew he was taking me to dinner. I was a little mind boggled...So then we leave and get to the restaurant, walk in, and I see Jordan there with Leslie. I just thought, hey you guys are here too?? But then I walk in a bit further and I see Aaron and Sachi and Collin and Gordy and Alicia aaaand...am I missing anyone? oh dear, I was just so overwhelmed to see everyone there. Mikey! That sneaky boy. And Sachiko, his partner in crime. Aaron, sweet boy, I can't believe he took a BUS from Provo to come to dinner. Crazy kid! But I was so happy, I couldn't stop smiling! Afterwards, we went to my place and watched Bill and Ted's...actually, it was more like we put the movie on and everyone took a nap. Despite the fact, my birth week ended with a bang!

I love my friends so much. I am so blessed with the greatest friends ever.

Lets take a stroll down Memory Lane, shall we?

I am 22!!

Sheesh...how weird. (Or as the Village Way girls would say, ZAT EEZ SO VEERD!! Every morning we all wake up with a new accent...don't ask. I myself can't explain our lunacy.)
I thought I'd make a fun list of 21 things that happened in my 21st year of life on earth. (If by chance a big event isn't listed in the 21 things, its only because these are just off the top of my head!)

1. Went on a sledding extravaganza for a second date, and we ended the night with a real bang, literally! We ended up in a hospital. (Sorry if the photo is too much.)
2. Had my first snowshoeing experience and made my first igloo!!
   
   
3. Michael came home!! Oh Michael, you are number 3 on my list of year 21. That's how much I love you!
4. Rekindled a long lasting friendship with the one and only Leslie Miles. She is wonderful. She is hilarious. She is beautiful. And she happens to be my roommate now! I remember the first time we saw each other after a long apostasy of nothingness. It was kinda the awkward, "Hey! I haven't seen you forever!! How are you??? What are you up to nowadays??" Now, we have the type of friendship where we can ride trax together, sitting side by side for 50 minutes, and then when its Leslie's stop, she doesn't even have to say goodbye. She just gets up and leaves...;) Love you Leslie!! You have made my year 21 a year to remember!!
   
5. I was a Bootie-Duty-er. Yes, I was in charge of handing out/assisting the elderly with their booties to wear into the Draper Temple Dedication. Its a rough job. Number 5 goes out to my lovely roommate Leslie Miles and friend Dan Kettle: "Hi, welcome to the temple. What a neat experience you're about to have. Please remain reverent at all times. Now it's time for BOOTIE DUTY!!!!!!"
6. My best friend since 9th grade, Malorie Nicol Moser Brower got married (to the intense sledder in picture #1)! Absolutely love her to death. We have some of the funniest memories together, including a massive 14 inch cookie, puddles in the cafeteria, leaving "trails" back to my st. george house after penny tapping Mo's casida, etc.
7. Rekindled another elementary friendship with Mister Trent Newman inside the Draper Temple of all places. One of the funniest guys I've ever met.
8. Experienced the Festival of Colors. Probably the most colorful event I have ever attended. And I got to spend some great quality time with one of my best buds and cousin, Michael Osterloh!
9. Took a sweet vacation with Michael and Coleman. Oh, so much happened on that trip...I'll just say, it was epic.
   
10. Took my first trip to San Francisco with two of my beautiful sisters. Saw Wicked, Alcatraz, aaaaand the "Bay to Breakers" race...oh and I had my first encounter with a very naked man on rollerblades. Google Bay to Breakers, you'll understand why.
11. My twin finally graduated from high school.
12. The first Osterloh cousin got MARRIED!!
13. Misa and I accompanied Michael and Jake on their first exhibition to JAPAN, and our first joy ride in first-class baby!
14. Picked up Sachiko from her mission. Saw my first International Surfing Competition. Also, had a chance to visit Obaachan and Ojiichan!! I love and miss them so much.
15. Traveled to San Francisco again with Sachiko, Mike Van, and the crew for Ty Johnson's wedding. Went to Japantown! Got in another cake fight. Had the greatest time with my best friend Sachi!
    
    
    
    
16. Rode my first mechanical bull at the fair.
    
17. One of my closest friends Nicholas J Nielson got home from the Japan, Tokyo mission!
18. Moved out with the most fantastic roommates anyone could ask for. Les--I don't even know where to begin. My mornings would be so dull without you. You are my mental equal. Leesh--We live together, we work together, we play together. We are THE BEST together. Rach--in short, my fingers would still be hurting without your handy-dandy band aids!
    
19. Learned how to DOUBLE-DUTCH!
    
20. Was a witch for halloween and Alicia was my little black Kat! (K-A-T, I'm outta here.)
21. Took family photos for 2010!

This past year has been a crazy rollercoaster with the lowest lows and the highest highs!! But all in all, I am so grateful for every experience I was blessed with. I learned so much about myself and discovered how strong I really am (emotionally and physically). Life has been great! Last years motto was to Live life as it comes, and that is exactly what I did. Cross bridges when you come to them. Take chances when opportunities present themselves. In time, even if its not what you planned, you'll find that things work out greater than what you expected!

Life is good.

Goodbye year 21, HELLO 22!!