Turning 30 and Lots of SNOW

It has been a relatively crazy winter here in St. Louis. Usually we might get one or two measurable snowfalls (which is enough for me), but this year we've had four, and the fifth and biggest is brewing as we speak. Last Thursday was my 30th birthday - and we had the biggest snow yet. Everyone was predicting 6-12 inches for the area, and we ended up with right around 6 inches at our house in the city (I know mom and Jackie farther east both had more like 9 inches or so). Anyway, a lot of snow. I had a little bit of work I had to do that day as long as I could get to work, so I went in late, got it done, and headed home. I ended up meeting up with Jackie for an awesome lunch at 1111. Then as I was driving back to my house, I thought, 'hmmmm maybe I should go check out the gardens in the snow.' So that's what I did - I went to the botanical gardens and walked around taking a million pictures. This snow was especially dry and fluffy, so it stayed on the tree limbs and looked beautiful. Anyway, a few highlights from the snowy gardens.....
This is my favorite tree.
Japanese garden, teahouse bridge
the snow was especially beautiful on the crazy evergreens
zig-zag bridge
I'm very glad I went to the gardens - now I have a particularly memorable way to always remember my 30th birthday! That night, Kevin made me filets for dinner. Then the next day I was treated to Blueberry Hill for lunch by some co-workers, and then Lauren took me out to scape Bistro for dinner - amazing! Finally, Sunday my mom made my birthday dinner - fried chicken and red cake. Mmmmmm. Jessica, Jackie and I also got some sledding in at mom's that day - http://thepleasantfarm.wordpress.com.

The highlight of the weekend was my birthday party at 33 wine bar, which was orchestrated by my friend Jenny. She made me a very entertaining cake (and some delicious raspberry cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting!!)


A fair share of my near-by friends and family came out to celebrate, so I tried to take a few pictures.
Jackie and Allen....

me and Jackie

Jenny with a kind of creepy Brice in the background

we are doomed to never take a decent picture. I'm not photogenic by any means, but this guy really doesn't help.

Ang and Matt

Mike, Erin, and Lauren

me with Erin and Lauren

All in all, it was a pretty fabulous birthday.
And since it's been over, reality has set in. Starting last week, I am teaching 4 classes....a Master's level plant class for U College, an intro microbiology lab and lecture at Maryville University, and an undergrad seminar course at Wash U. Thankfully the micro classes are only every other week, so I'm only going to be insanely busy every other week. All I can say is I really hope this helps me find a job.....