Best Friend Birthday Lunch

My friend, Ashlee, and I have a tradition. I have no idea where it came from. I have no idea who decided it would be fun. However, we have carried on this tradition for 4 or 5 years now. Our birthdays are only 2 weeks apart. And, instead of searching for a present for each other, we go out to eat. We usually try to go to some place we've never visited before or at least a restaurant that we don't often eat at. We usually end up shopping a little too after our meal.

Our friendship means so much to me. After all these years, I can definitely say that God brought us together. He knew specific ways that we would need each other. I am often baffled at the omniscience of God. I know that the Lord orchestrates everything in my life, even my friendships.

We became fast friends when she was my boss at the university.

Then, I became her boss. And now, we're neighbors!

I see her everyday now, but we never seem to take pictures together anymore. Probably because we don't stop talking long enough to take one.

I figured before our lunch date would be a perfect time for a picture...but we had to use a self timer. And it didn't work out so well. Our first picture looked more like a JC Penney Catalog photo shoot.  Ashlee, complementing my yellow pants. Me, smiling weirdly as I say, "Why, thank you!" Basically, we weren't ready...

Finally we came up with a more traditional shot.  Maybe we'll try again next year.

I think we were just too giddy about our lunch date to take the time to get a great picture. (Hence, my cheesy smile)

This year, I had scored a great coupon for The Melting Pot. I had never been before, and my coupon was for free cheese. We each also got a salad and split a chocolate dip. (And I must say, the Spinach Artichoke Cheese and the Turtle Chocolate are A-maz-ing!) I ate so much...we laughed so much...It was such a great time. As we rolled out of the restaurant (yes, rolled....I was that full), I said a quick prayer of thanks to the Lord for such an awesome friendship. To me, our annual birthday meal out means more than any present. Time spent together is what makes a friendship continue to grow.