Birfday part 2

I really don’t know what possessed me to get up on Sunday morning after such an incredible day on Saturday, only to spend a solid hour on the stair-stepper.  By the time I was done, I was so sore, I could barely walk.  BUT, the day was just beginning.  After spending some much-needed time in the garden, Paul and I hauled it up to Long Beach to catch the movie, “Ms. Pettigrew Lives for a Day.”  I will not give any spoilers.  Instead, I’ll just say that this was a really sweet movie, good for a nice romantic afternoon or evening – especially if you like light-hearted stories with really AWESOME 1930’s costumes and sets. 

 

Following movie, we had a maaavelous Greek dinner at Ambrosia, and then treated ourselves to a most unusual bit of entertainment.  Yes, I realize there are all sorts of choices on Broadway in the Gay Ghetto.  But this time was truly unique.  We saw my gal-posse’ doing a belly-dance performance.  (Note to self, find an updated hanki-code for the redneck dancer).  As I sat outside of the uber-packed coffee shop, I stared through he window like a peeping-Thom making the occasional (ok, plentiful) snarky comment with the rest of my gang of supportive audience.  All in all, it really was much fun… for savagery.  J

Birfday part 1

I don’t know what in the world I did to deserve such a wonderful husband.  I really don’t.  But this birthday is one I will not soon forget. 

 

Ushered out of the house in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday, I was to kill some time for several hours while Paul prepared.  I must admit, I was partly nervous and partly intrigued by not knowing what was going on.  I don’t handle surprises well at all.  Since Paul is keenly aware of this, I had to wonder what was on the agenda. 

 

After puttering around town for a while, grabbing some starbears, shopping, and spending FAR too much, I finally hit the point where I wanted to come home.  I called my hubby to see if I could.  “OK,” he said.  “But you’ll have to park in back, use the back door, and go up the back stairs.”  Wow… now I know how the servants must feel!

 

Shortly before the guests were to arrive, Paul decided to show me what he had been up to.  WOW!  He had pulled most of the furniture out of the front and back parlor to make room for large round dining tables with fine linens, flatware and centerpieces.  The dining room had been rearranged and elegantly transformed into a formal but functional buffet.  Howy CWAP!  Our home was now a classy restaurant!  I was overwhelmed – truly.  And as arrogant as it may sound, I had to tell Paul that in utmost sincerity, it was as I would have wanted it done – no changes whatsoever! 

 

As the guests arrived, I awkwardly made the rounds as host.  I feel much more comfortable in the kitchen prepping the food than I do making the rounds and doing smalltalk.  Fortunately, having a magical never-emptying glass of wine truly helped.  As the night progressed, people conversed, and laughed, and had a good time.  Several people from different groups met and chatted, which made me happy.  I like to see my friends becoming friends with one another.

 

As we dined on salad, and rolls, and wild steamed rice, and asparagus and hollandaise, and some of the best rack of lamb I can recall having, I looked around the room and just felt full.  Full not only from a great meal, but full in terms of… I dunno… everything.  I live in a beautiful house with the most loving man I can even imagine.  I have lots of friends.  I have beautiful things.  I have a successful career.  I’m in good shape (and still get carded from time to time).  I have… I have… I honestly feel like I have it all. 

 

Never be afraid to take a risk in order to be happy.  It pays off, and then some.