you're really old.

AUBREY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

My dearest ACE.  I am so, so, so happy that you were brought into this world those glorious 22 years ago.  You are one of the most loyal friends on the planet.  There has never been a time when I wanted to go have fun, or needed to talk, or even just needed a hug and you weren't there.  (And via phone counts, seeing as you've lived in Seattle the past 3 years.)  A great example of this is the night I said goodbye to Alex (or it was something around there . . . I can't quite remember the occasion, I just remember it had to do with Alex)--I needed comfort and you were there to just hug me and stroke my hair and tell me that everything was going to be alright.  On top of that, you have probably listened to me blab about dumb things more than anyone else, and you always always do it intently.  And despite how busy you've been in college, you are always willing to have a nice little phone chat to catch up.  You are always so bubbly and fun, and I know that I can always look to you for a good time.

Coming to visit you in Seattle was the highlight of my summer.  (Seriously.)  I really appreciate how much time you spent showing me around and everything despite upcoming finals . . . and the fact that you came and picked me up from the airport and escorted me back.  You are seriously the best.  And I loved everything we did!  Ah, it was such a blast and I don't know if I could ever thank you enough for such a wonderful experience.

Aubs, I love you so much.  You are such a generous, kind, loving, sweet, happy, energetic, optimistic, motivated, fascinating person.  I admire you so much for going up to Seattle for college and achieving all that you have.  You work so hard but yet you are never grumpy about it--rather you are there to lift everyone else up who probably doesn't have nearly as much stress/pressure as you do.  I am so impressed with all that you have done, and I cannot wait to see everything that you will do.  Have a wonderful, happy happy birthday.  Love you.