I Run Like A Girl

Last weekend was incredibly special as I celebrated my 30th birthday! My birthday is at the end of the month, but I had my party over the weekend since Joe and I are heading to Mexico for my actual birthday. We’re so looking forward to it as it’s our first vacation since we moved back to the bay in April.

I have my usual weekend recap and a LOT of photos to share of my birthday festivities. Thank you for stopping by today!

Saturday: weekend errands + my 30th birthday party

The weekend started off with a workout on the track. I knew this was probably the only workout I’d get in this weekend considering the festivities ahead, so I did a longer workout focusing on my lower body.

During the day, Joe and I got out for some errands – we drove outside the city to Home Depot and shopped for some plant pots. I bought this small pot for my office plant a few weeks ago, and I just love them! I bought two more on Saturday. It’s nearly impossible for me and Joe to go to Home Depot and not come back with something plant-related.

Some Chick-fil-A for lunch. San Francisco actually bans chain restaurants in order to support local businesses. So whenever we leave the city, we love to eat fast food. 😛

The rest of the afternoon was spent resting up at the apartment and getting ready for my party. It’s been a while since I had a reason to dress up, and I had a lot of fun with it. 🙂

Finally, it was time for my birthday party! The theme of my birthday was “A Night in Chinatown.” It’s been years since I went out in Chinatown, but from what I remembered, Chinatown’s nightlife was surprisingly popping. I thought it would be the perfect, unique setting for my 30th birthday. I invited my closest friends in San Francisco and it made me so happy to be surrounded by them.

We started off with dinner at R&G Lounge, an upscale restaurant with family-style Chinese dishes. It felt like THE place to be as the line went out the door. Fortunately, we had a reservation and got a private room, which was a pleasant surprise. We ordered a bunch of yummy food for the group featuring their king crab and roast duck – it’s not a Chinese celebration without these. 😉

Can you tell our group loves lychee martinis?

Then, it was time to hit the bars! Chinatown transforms into quite the scene at night. In the day, the neighborhood is filled with bustling street vendors run by Chinese immigrants; by night, it transforms into a lively scene of dark cocktail lounges and karaoke bars. The ornate temples and street lanterns add a unique flavor that’s unlike any other neighborhood.

First, we hung out at Li Po Lounge, a long-standing dive bar and a staple of Chinatown known for its mai tais. I had several fun nights here over the years. 😉 The Chinese decor, red ambient lights, and furniture that hasn’t changed in decades made for a festive spot for our group. We enjoyed mai tais all around.

As the night went on, we headed downstairs at Li Po Lounge. We found a nice sitting area and hung out there for a while. The downstairs area is darker and more grungier which was fitting for us based on how the night progressed. 😉

My birthday party came together seamlessly as Rene planned the entire thing. Rene and I actually have the exact same birthday, and she insisted on giving me our birthday this year since it was a milestone for me. On top of that, she planned the entire event! Such a true friend. ❤

We headed to one more bar afterward and hung out there for a bit, and then we all said goodbye and Joe graciously escorted me home. It was such a blast and the perfect 30th birthday I could have asked for. ❤

Sunday: recovery day + Hare Krishna festival

The next day was focused on recovery. I was in pain from last night, but it was so worth it! Joe and I took it easy at the apartment as we reminisced about the night – admittedly, Joe had to remind me of a few things that happened. 😛

We did go outside for a little walk at Golden Gate Park. We stumbled upon an Indian festival celebrating a Hare Krishna holiday. It was a pleasant surprise as we walked through the different booths and enjoyed the festive vibes.

That’s pretty much all my body could handle, so I spent the rest of the day back at home.

What an amazing weekend, and the birthday celebrations are just getting started! Joe and I are heading to Mexico at the end of the week, and I cannot wait for this time together. It’s also the first time I’m leaving the country since my Asia travels 11 months…so overdue. Next time I blog will be from Mexico!!!