{birthday date with big bear}

 
How fortunate I was to meet my ridiculously awesome new friend Stan at a Conference Singles Dance this past weekend - my dear friend who I affectionately call "Big Bear!" Stan and I hit it off right away and immediately worked with our schedules to find a time that we could go out. Stan found out that it was my birthday this coming Saturday and insisted taking me out tonight for an early birthday date. GooooodNIGHT....he SO outdid himself. I felt so completely pampered...and special. Stan picked me up tonight in the middle of a hail/rain/snow/thunderstorm on this beautiful April day, and we had to laugh at how our wardrobe choices matched perfectly. LOL! Funny. We looked like we were all suited up to go and get pictures taken. I assured him that we would, in fact, be taking pictures. LOL! (Including a fabulously high quality "bathroom mirror self-portrait" shot that I took right before Stan picked me up tonight. LOL!) Then, Stan drove us to Flemings at the Gateway. Have you ever eaten at Flemings? Oh wow. Beyond description. You have to go. I had the most fabulous Filet Mignon that was so perfectly medium rare - likely one of the best I have ever had in my life. The salad was amazing (first experience with Bleu Cheese, believe it or not...and LOVED IT) and the parmesan mashed potatoes...HEAVENLY.
 
I was SO SO impressed with their service. Stan had obviously put extra thought into it when he called in our reservation, because when we checked in at the reception area, the hostess smiled at me and said, "Happy Birthday to you." We were greeted by our waitress shortly after who ALSO greeted me by saying, "Happy Birthday."
 
And not only that, but I was presented with THE most decadent lava cake (that takes them 25 minutes to prepare for you), complete with a candle lit for me to blow out and a special gift box of homemade chocolates all COMPLIMENTARY for my birthday. Talk about feeling extremely pampered. Considering Stan and I just met last Saturday, he went ABOVE and BEYOND for our first night out...but made me feel so ridiculously special for my birthday.
 
After dinner, Stan had managed to get lower bowl tickets for the JAZZ game against the Blazers...which we lost, but STILL enjoyed thoroughly!! I can't even remember the last time I went to a JAZZ game, but I had forgotten how much I love actually GOING to games. The energy is so AWESOME. LOVED it. After the game, we went over to the media tables where Jeff (my awesome landlord and good friend) was sitting with his business associates and chatted with them for a bit. They loaned me and Stan media passes so that we could go out on the court and take a few pics. So awesome. While we were on he court taking pictures, I met a contact that just might end up being a pretty big miracle in my life as far as work opportunities go. So exciting. God is so good to me.
 
 
I feel so very blessed to have met Stan and am so grateful for his friendship. Good CRUD, he is so freaking awesome! We connected like we'd known each other a bazillion years. Stan, thank you so much for tonight. You seriously didn't need to go to the extremes that you did for me....but I am so grateful to you for everything...for making me feel SO special for my birthday. Love you so much already, Big Bear. SO glad we're friends!!

Comments

[Raquel]

Oh my goodness Heather!! You look awesome...totally awesome.

[Stan Jensen]

Wow. Heather you are so SPANKIN AWESOME. I'm so proud to be your friend. You know how to make a regular guy feel like a MAN...That was a great evening, that i know i'll never forget. Happy Birthday today. Hope it is everything you want, and just alittle bit more...Love ya like i've known you for a long time. Nothing but the best to you from my soul.

[Holly Child]

You look so good Heather!! I still love following your blog, though I don't comment much!! Just wanted to let you know you look great! :o)