One Year Older and Wiser Too
So yesterday was my birthday (Happy Birthday to me!). I got a text message from a friend saying “Happy Birthday! You’re practically dead now.” Yes, 23 is definitely the new 95. And I plan to embrace it, as soon as I can get up from this blasted chair.
Anyway, it was a lovely weekend (with not a drop of rain or even heavy winds from IKE) which I’m sure you want to hear about in agonizing detail, yes?
In our time-honored (time = one year) Birthday tradition, Bart bought me no presents, but instead went shopping with me where I bought myself a pair of boots, two skirts, a sweater, and a shirt. And there was much rejoicing (and there will be many pictures, if my future-seeing eyes are seeing correctly).
We also checked out an Indian restaurant that Julie had recommended to me a while ago. We’d planned to go downtown, but the restaurant closed before I got off of work and also traffic was rather bad, since everyone was leaving the offices early due to the IKE threats. This restaurant was just a few miles from our house and it proved to be extremely delicious and relatively cheap. The naan bread was unbelievable. I think we will go back many many times. Come visit us, and we’ll take you.
And, because they knew it was my birthday, Get Smart finally opened in the dollar theater. It was a very amusing show. I really get a kick out of Steve Carrell (although not enough to actually watch The Office, apparently).
Bart made me breakfast in bed (where breakfast means Reese’s Puffs, because in my family birthdays are the one time where you can have really sugary disgusting cereal) and I opened some presents from my family, including some awesome shoes from Landen, a custom-made plaid pencil skirt from my mom (impressive, no?), two cookbooks, and a black cashmere sweater. Not too shabby.
To top the weekend of wild celebrating (and much homework) off, we went to B and Ralphie‘s where we had this cake. I made it myself (which apparently was wrong because it was my birthday) and it was almost a disaster as I put the cake in the oven and then thought “how weird that it had no baking powder or soda in it.” And then I looked at the recipe again and realized that, oh yes, it did. And so I took it out of the oven, scraped it back into the bowl, stirred in the extra ingredients and put it back in the oven. Whew, birthday disaster averted.
I’m so glad you averted the birthday cake disaster…that was a close one! I was going to call and wish you a happy birthday this weekend, but time got away from me and I totally forgot. So, happy belated birthday Janssen!! I bet you’re thrilled about your new birthday accessories and the naan does sound incredible. If you keep finding such incredible restaurants, we may just have to come visit you!
Happy birthday! I think that gift-buying tradition is great; although in our case, JG would just have to slap the cash in my hand because shopping with him is not a gift at all.
“I’m so TIRED. Are you done yet? How many sizes do you need to try on? Why are we going in here if you aren’t looking for something? I’m so TIRED.”
Boys!
Happy Belated Birthday! On Saturday I was all determined to wish you Happy Birthday and then on Sunday I didn’t get on the computer much and totally forgot. So I guess just know I was thinking of you a day early, and not just a day late!
Breakfast in bed! That’s a good one. I’ll have to remember it come November…
Happy birthday! Sounds like a good one!
happy birthday you old fart!! i can’t believe how old you are 🙂
Happy happy birthday, Janssen! I’m so glad it was fun and you got such fun presents. I love being able to shop for myself too. I’ve heard lots of good things about Reese’s Puffs. Will have to try them someday!
Happy Birthday, Janssen!
Happy Birthday! Please show us pictures of your pretty new things. Also, that cake looks delish – I am going to have to make that soon!
Happy birthday! Twenty-three. Hmmm – ancient, yes. LOL (Wait until you are 50+, and really do have trouble getting out of chairs!) Pictures please. Especially the skirt your mom made, because that is special. Also, how lucky you are that people can send you shoes and clothes and they fit!!
Happy Birthday!
I agree, shopping for your presents is a great tradition. For the past couple of years my mom’s Christmas gift to me has been to take me shopping for a new outfit. I love it because I love shopping but rarely feel justified in letting myself go (once I get started it’s kind of hard to stop). Getting to actually participate in picking out the gift not only ensures that I get something I like, but is another gift in itself.
PS: I discovered Indian food when I moved to DC about two years ago and now it’s probably my favorite ethnic cuisine.
That sounds like a wonderful birthday! Jon and I have talked about doing your birthday tradition for Christmas so that we can take advantage of the post-holiday sales. 🙂
Happy Birthday! Sounds like it was wonderful. I LOVE Reese’s Puffs. I actually have a box in the pantry right now, but I use it as a healthier dessert. yummy
sounds like an excellent day! happy birthday!
There are days I read your blog and have moments of wishing I could have a few days back of that time before children. Enjoy them and soak up the memories to guard against future tantrums, poop in the tub and throwing things at Walmart.
Happy Birthday! You are so stinkin’ old!!
Happy Birthday!
I must insist on pictures of the boots.
But I totally agree, making your own cake is not allowed! Although, maybe that’s why my birthday cakes are always somewhat subpar. Perhaps I should make my own from now on. My birthday is in less than a month and I am so thinking chocolate.
23!?! SO JEALOUS!
Happy Birthday!!
But 23? YOU ARE A BABY.
I mean that in a good way. You are hardly OLD 🙂
Happy (late) Birthday!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Sounds like you had a lovely celebration. YAY!
Happy Birthday! I LOVE going shopping for myself on my birthday! Dave gave me money and took me shopping this year for my birthday and it was fabulous!! We might make that a tradition too. I havent seen Get Smart, but I also LOVE Steve Correll, but I have yet to get into ‘The Office’, go figure.