The Rest of the Day

The rest of my birthday was just as much fun. I met my sister, T'liese, and her 18-month old tyke, Evan, for lunch at the Wildflower Bread Company. I had half a chicken salad sandwich on a croissant (why not splurge...it's my birthday!), and half of their house salad. T'liese got half a ham and Swiss sandwich and a bowl of their potato soup. Evan ate strawberries and a bagel. Everything tasted so delicious! Then we were off to wander the mall. We stopped in at Ann Taylor LOFT and then visited Pottery Barn. Since Evan was tired of being in a stroller, we let him play in the kids area. It's always entertaining to watch how little kids interact! Then we popped into Barnes and Noble so I could play with the new Nook e-reader in person. I really want one...and it can do library books for free!

After I got home from a lovely afternoon with my thithter, I got to spend the rest of my birthday with Hubby. What a treat indeed! He got dressed up in khakis and a dress shirt and pronounced that it was time for dinner around 6:30 PM. He drove me to a place that I had never been...a restaurant on an airport! Anzio Landing at Falcon Field was his selection, and I couldn't have been more pleased. Despite it being the closest airport to my house, I've never been to this popular general aviation spot. We got a window seat in the dining room so we could see all the action. Not a single airplane took off or landed in the time that we were there for dinner! Hubby felt bad about that, but he was so thoughtful to take me to a nice place for my birthday dinner! I went all-out (again...) and had tortellini carbonera. Hubby enjoyed some beef ravioli. We lost count of how many bread sticks were brought to the table...and consequently ravished! I sure love my Hubby and appreciate him going to so much effort to find a place that I would enjoy.

When we got home that night, Hubby said he had to bake a cake. He sent me down the hallway and retrieved me just a few minutes later. Knowing I didn't want cake in the house the next day, he bought one piece of Red Velvet for us to split with some ice cream. Perfect! We watched Wipeout and laughed until we cried. 

In the middle of the night, I was awakened by a killer sore throat. I must have partied too hard! I stayed in bed all day yesterday and am still there today. Since I know I am on the road for work the next two weeks, I'm trying hard to shake this bug. There is nothing worse than being sick on the road. I always have a hard time taking it this easy, especially when I feel like I have so much to do. Isn't it amazing how being sick and so incredibly exhausted can instantly change priorities? 

Hope I don't die!

But the partying was certainly worth it, if that was the cause!

That Time of Year Again

It's been a pretty wonderful birthday so far, and we've just begun the day!

Hubby's alarm went off even earlier than six this morning. I should have known he was up to something fun! I tried to go get a glass of water, and he made me get back in bed and went to get my water for me. After he left for work around 6:20 AM, I wandered around the house to find this surprise awaiting me.

There was a note to turn up the volume on his computer. As soon as I did, I recognized what it was! Hubby got me the Last Episodes soundtrack from my favorite show, LOST. In case you didn't know, we watched the entire series on Netflix this past January, and I cried and cried and cried when it ended. But what I loved most about the entire show was the beautiful music. Michael Giacchino, who also did the soundtrack to the new Star Trek movie (and many others!), was the composer for the entire series. His work was so good, especially in the last six episodes, that they made a special two-disc set just to fit in all the incredible music. Ever since the show ended for us, as I sat in a pool of tears, I knew that soundtrack was going to be mine eventually. We'll see how long I can last as I listen to the songs before breaking down again.

It's playing behind me right now and is gorgeous! I can hardly wait to load it onto my iPod to listen to it all day! I can play it on the speakers around the house, or listen to it in the car, or have my earbuds in to enjoy it. I'm so excited. Kudos to Hubby on this one. He knows I love surprises and treasure hunts. And he knows how much I've been wanting this soundtrack. He never fails to deliver such fun.

In addition, it appears my house received a birthday heart attack during the night. Perhaps it is foretelling that I'm not even worrying about eating healthy today! There were paper hearts all over my yard and house when I woke up this morning. At first, I thought it was an additional present from Hubby, but he doesn't call me Sister Weir. And when I saw the "Welcome to Young Womens" heart, I knew who it was from.

That's right. I just got called to be in the Young Womens. I am so excited to be the new Camp Director! It's going to be a blast. Especially if they adorn my house with hearts after just a few days of being in their group! We are certainly off to a good start.

I also woke up to an Amazon gift card from my sister, Charloe. I love spending money on that website, so thank you very much!

Whoa! A gift card just arrived in my inbox for The Cheesecake Factory! Thanks, Mom and Merrill! You know where I love eating the most! (See? This day is just getting better and better!)

Since I'm in town and not away for work, I'm headed to lunch this afternoon with my sister, T'liese. Maybe I'll score something pretty to wear tonight while wandering around Chandler Mall. My favorite clothing store, Ann Taylor LOFT, never lets me down! When Hubby gets home from work, he is taking me to a temple session (provided I can leave my phone for that few hours without being called for work). Then he made dinner reservations somewhere fun. I don't know where, but he says I will like it. And any place that takes reservations...I'm all over it!

My brother is just one year and nine days younger than me, so we're celebrating both days this Saturday evening. It will be fun to get together for dinner and bowling! They're even getting babysitters for the kiddos, so I'm losing all excuses to have the gutter guards up when it's my turn! I love when birthday celebrations last all week!

So far, so good. It's only seven o'clock and I'm already having a great day. And not just because my next stop is Krispy Kreme to get my free dozen donuts for my birthday! Don't worry...I'm taking them all to Hubby's work so he can distribute them properly. Me eating a dozen donuts might not have a very positive outcome for the rest of the day. Nobody likes going into a sugar coma (I grew out of that just a few months ago)!