Super-long Birthday Extravaganza post
2 Sep
Wow. It feels so good to be back at this computer! Here’s a photo to sum up how I felt about my birthday weekend:
That was me holding (and wearing) some of my birthday gifts. I especially liked my birthday hat from Kate.
But before I get to my birthday party, let’s backtrack through the weekend to some good times with Cat.
SATURDAY
Cat and I decided to live it up and be tourists on Saturday. We started the day grabbing a bite to eat at Kirsten’s Cafe. I had the humus sandwich with lettuce, avocado, humus (of course):
And half a cookie:
We went to the Holocaust Museum downtown, didn’t have enough time to get through the whole thing and decided to walk along the reflecting pool to see the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Here’s some photos of us by a great fountain.
We put our feet in the fountain, immediately got yelled at and then Cat decided to be a rebel for a quick photo.
The view from the Lincoln Memorial:
I liked walking around DC because I never actually do that very often. Living here long term makes you take for granted what’s around. It was good to have Cat up to remind me that I live in a pretty great city.
We drove to Baltimore after our day in DC to see my school where I work (and the one where I attend grad school) and went out for Thai Food. Unfortunately (and I just realized this!) I didn’t take photos. But I did have Pad Thai Vegetarian, and it was quite good. We got back to my apartment around 10:30 p.m. and sat outside, split a bottle of wine and just talked for a good 5 hours.
SUNDAY – MY BIRTHDAY!
We slept in SUPER LATE (waking up about noon) and it really reminded me of our college days. We went to a diner for "brunch," and I had a chicken sandwich with fries. I rarely eat fries, so I was sort of splurging for my birthday:
We were thinking about things to do while at the diner for my birthday. I originally wanted to go for a hike, but we were both pretty tired and just wanted to relax. We went to Rock Creek Park and sat on some rocks, chatting again for a few hours, coffees in hand:
After our talk at the park, we went back to the apartment and prepared for my birthday party. My friend Kate threw it at her place in Virginia. We started the night off with drinks and apps:
Then I wore a hat:
Then I opened some gifts that you saw above. Kate and Rob got me a really great apron, which I will use quite a bit!
And some Philadelphia chocolates that I will savor!
And Brian and Amy got me a mug that I certainly appreciate:
Then Bill got back from Boston:
And then Bill brought some unexpected gifts that I hope you readers will love as much as I do!
Then Kate made an absolutely amazing meal:
Tuna with a stuffed pepper, salad and rice. This meal was amazing, and I must get recipes stat…
AND she made one of the best birthday cakes I’ve ever had!
We then played taboo, went for a walk down the street and crashed a random party and at the end of the night, Rob and I danced:
Rob could have gone all night. Seriously.
And that was my birthday celebration! All in all, a great birthday weekend surrounded by wonderful people full of fun and conversation.
MONDAY
Today I got the opportunity to see my family a little bit – as we met up with my Dad, Stepmom and grandparents at a restaurant in Hagerstown, MD. They surprised me with some really nice gifts, like this!
It’s a toaster! And a big one! I haven’t had a toaster in probably three years, so this was a nice surprise! Thanks, Dad and Jan! This is lovely and will be well used! They also got me some other things that will be included in later posts….
We had a great day but had some unexpected trouble along the way which resulted in me not really photographing well. Bill’s car broke down and started smoking! Luckily it all worked out, and we made it home. I was happy my family was right around the corner to help us out. My Dad always seems to know so much about cars, so that was really helpful. Even though we were a little stressed, we still enjoyed our meal with the FAM and had great conversation!
But….needless to say we’re tired… and need to sleep. It’s been a long weekend!
Back on track tomorrow! I probably have 200 unread blog posts in my Google Reader, and I can’t wait to look through them. Hope everyone had a great Labor Day!
haha! i loved this post! Im so glad you had a wonderful birthday with great company!!! cute lobster gifts..and yay for a toaster!! the stuffed pepper sounds amazing too!!
is that an angel food cake?
have a great Tuesday Rose!!
I love it!! It looks like you had a well deserved amazing time.
I love all the lobster stuff!! And if you get the recipe for those stuffed peppers please post it, they look delish!
Those are adorable presents!
You photograph well. So cute!
I love that apron!
Glad you had such an awesome birthday and really happy you’re back!
LOBSTERS !!!
that apron is cute.
and that stuffed pepper looks amazing!
oh man, i’m glad bill made it home ok!
i’m so happy you had a great birthday!!! and i love all the lobster stuff!! that totally rocks!!
Aw, Rose – this post made me smile!! I’m so glad you had such a wonderful birthday extravaganza!! I love all the pictures – ESPECIALLY the ones of the presents from Bill! How cute is that?! You are a lucky lady
)
That cake does look seriously awesome – I love angel food!!
We’re happy you’re back – and I’m SO glad you had such a great time!
looks like you had a fabulous time!! and i have to say, those lobster goodies are the BEST. lovelovelove them!!! that apron will look beautiful on you too
What a great bday weekend you had… it is so funny you got the apron I was just saying how i need one now that I am always in the kitchen.. such a great gift and very cute too! Glad you had a good bday!
Happy Belated Birthday! What a fun weekend! Glad you enjoyed it. And LOVE the lobster everythings! Too cute!
What a wonderful birthday weekend! You are so cute. I love your apron.
Heather
I love the lobster presents!!! Very cool!!!
Michelle
Looks like a fantastic way to spend your birthday
I love those chocolates, she makes such awesome and unique flavors!! enjoy