Birthday Weekend

I turned 28 last Saturday, and I claimed the entire weekend as my birthday (mostly because I had to work on Saturday, but, let's be honest, I probably would have claimed the whole thing even if I wouldn't have had to work!) It was a very random, eventful weekend and I

hope you enjoy the highlights...

First the biggest bouquet of flowers arrived at my office (which is not listed and I've never given the address to anyone!) compliments of my beautiful friend Sarah Pahl in Dallas (who is obviously going to be an amazing lawyer, because she's got great investigative skills!)

I had originally planned to celebrate my birthday on Friday

night, because two of my really good friends were going out of town the next day, but a brothel raid was scheduled for that night, so my plans were up in the air for awhile. I was scheduled for the morning shift, so we went ahead with the celebration... My wonderful friend Isa drove us up to an Italian restaurant, on top of the mountainside overlooking the city and I had an amazing dinner with Lynn, Angela, Isa, Amy, and Sarah (whose flowers got their own seat of

honor).

The next day I worked from 7am-3pm. I met with clients who were taken out

of the brothel the night before for intake interviews and affidavit taking with the lawyers. My boss surprised me and bought the best cake I have tasted this side of the pacific! The staff there sang to me... and then I attempted to "cut" the cake (it was more of a butcher) with the straight end of a plastic fork.

That evening was a "Walk against Trafficking" and a free concert put on by MTV Exit (End Exploitation and Trafficking) with three great Filipino bands. It was a great concert though... The next pic is some of my co-workers showing up to support the effort. (Even those who didn't particularly enjoy the music still came to support! :) )

The next day, Sunday, I went to Happy Horizons Children's Ranch to celebrate with some of my favorite kids in all the world (although many of them I can't actually call "kids" anymore). After orienting Amy and Matt to the joys of the public bus, we spent the afternoon eating cake and ice cream and playing games.

Thanks everyone for making me feel so loved this weekend!