(If you read this on Facebook, please go to RuzenaThibault.com so you can see the .gif pictures move and get the full effect! Also, I will probably edit it some but facebook doesn’t let me do that so check back later too— just to make sure!)

I am aware that my blog has been sorely neglected this past year. At least my updates are rather long when I actually DO write them. There have really only been a couple of entries since my last one but I figured I’d type up a birthday entry again this year. I have a TON of other things (especially older things) to talk about but I think I’ll put those in different posts later on.

So a few days ago I turned 21.

A lot of people have asked if I’m going to go out and get a drink now that I’m legal. I just tell them that I did get a birthday drink while I was out with Caroline— I got a “London Fog.” (Earl Grey tea, vanilla flavoring, and steamed milk) I also got a lovely croissant. (I rarely ever buy those since they’re so ’spensive.)

Speaking of croissants… the morning of my birthday, Jan Buckwalter (my teacher for “language, literacy, and curriculum development” class) brought in some maple walnut scones for the class. My birthday was also her husband’s birthday so she just made a double batch and brought the extras in to celebrate my birthday and Wes’s birthday since his was the day before. They were tasty and looked something like this! (this is not a picture of hers but it’s very similar!)

I want to make these some day. They were fantastic with coffee and they’d probably be even better with tea!


Lauren and I went to see “When in Rome” on Saturday to celebrate my birthday (since it fell on a week day). It was a cute movie but not something that I’d necessarily want to own. It was a little weird for my tastes. Like…the Napoleon Dynamite dude shows up as a magic fanatic and guess who’s with him. You guessed it— Pedro. Those guys are gonna be type-cast for the rest of their lives, I’m afraid.

Before the movie, Lauren and I went and combed over the FYE superstore one final time. Thankfully the store was still having it’s closing sale so we were able to get a ton of good stuff for 40-70% off. I bought the complete series (12 episodes) of Paradise Kiss. I hadn’t seen it before and occasionally I like to buy things I haven’t seen.

It’s a fantastic show and very realistic. However, it’s definitely not for children. It deals with adult themes and even has some questionable scenes in it. (Tastefully done scenes and without straight nudity but still.)


I also managed to find a Vampire Knight shirt in the big messed-up pile of shirts right before I was going to go pay. It’s girl-cut and a size L so it’s one size too small for me. (Hey, at least I can still fit into juniors. xD) I’m going to give it to Clarice and then find another one online that will actually fit me. I was really surprised because they haven’t even come out with the Vampire Knight anime and yet they had the shirt there with the anime characters on it. o.O

The last time we went to the superstore it was even better. I bought a few things including volumes 6 and 7 of the Vampire Knight manga (two for the price of one!) and a series I had been wanting for a long time (3 or 4 years). The series box set has averaged $60 in stores but since they were having clearance I was able to get it for $38ish. It’s called Air TV. It’s 13 episodes long and if you watch it all the way through, by yourself (or with an emotional friend), and in a dark room… you WILL cry. I bawled my eyes out.

It’s totally worth it though. What a beautiful piece of artwork. This is one I will continue to pass around to people for a long long time.


Anyway, back to the birthday. So I came into my room after lunch and found a note on my door from roommate and best friend, Lauren. I would post all the pictures but that’s quite a few so I’ll just tell you what she did.

There was a sign on my door (which was decorated with streamers) that read:

“Directions for awesome 21st birthday:

Follow to the letter and READ ME FIRST!
1. Enter the room in awe.
2. Read card (step #1)
3. Pick up Reeses pillow (step #2)
4. Pick up my pillow (step #3)
5. Jump up and down and enjoy being old! ”

And now. I share with you…my card.

It was totally cute. I read the card, then lifted my pillow to find a couple Reeses cups. Then after that I lifted her pillow and found a stuffed puppy. She knows I’ve been obsessed lately with watching videos of kids (and sometimes adults) receiving surprise puppies for Christmas/birthdays/anniversaries and stuff on youtube. I’ve ALWAYS wanted a puppy so I guess I’ve been living vicariously through those people. xD I will cry when I get one for real— but since that’s not really possible right now… I’m glad I at least have my stuffed puppy. (FYI, a pancake-shaped puppy makes a very nice hat!)





I recieved multiple cards and wishes from people and I would like to thank all of you! One of the best things was seeing my Inbox ABSOLUTELY flooded (like 3 pages worth) with “Happy birthday” comments on facebook. I don’t care if half of you don’t talk to me on a regular basis (although talking more would be great too.) I just want you to know that you helped make my day. I felt totally loved!

Dramatization (of what love looks like) - from left to right - Caroline, Me, and Lauren (The Ginger! Lol!)