37

Today is my 37th birthday. I'm usually one that revels in my birthday, making it as special as I can. For some reason, this year, my heart is not that into it. Perhaps I am having a hard time getting older and I realize how quickly this life passes us by. My children are growing before my eyes and that is very bittersweet to me...more bitter than sweet. Audrey put it well when she said at least the 7 is not the first digit in my age. Amen.


True to form, I have managed to stretch my birthday celebrations over a couple of weeks and have spent time with special people. The birthday trio of Audrey, Jill and myself celebrated over brunch at Volterra in Ballard, and then hit up the Ballard Farmer's Market. I will not be returning to Volterra. My brunch was one of the worst meals I've ever had. Seriously. I ordered a scramble and asked for it without bacon. It was rubbery and tasteless, even with salt and pepper. My hash browns had been fried up in bacon grease. Bluhck. I couldn't eat more than one bite. Now, if I was specific about no bacon in my scramble, shouldn't hash browns cooked up in bacon grease be a no-no? My first real vegetarian meal causality. I had thought about writing a letter, but I don't want them to invite me back to try to make it right. I definitely left with a bad taste in my mouth. Literally. The company was great though! We were trying to come up with a grand scheme of starting a business together that we could do from home...hmmm...still need to work on that one.



Last Friday the Mah Jong crew went to Cafe Flora in Madison Park. The food was great. The service was attentive (dare I say touchy!) and we all had a fun and entertaining time, as usual. We then ventured to The Ballroom in Fremont for a little dancing, hanging out with the trannies, and being reminded that we are not in college anymore, Toto. Still a very fun evening.

The next night Scott and I dined at El Gaucho for our letter "E" spot. Now, I must come clean: we have been there together before, but only once. El Gaucho made such an impression on me that I don't really feel we got the whole experience the first time around. Another visit was completely in order. From the moment you walk in, you really feel like you are transformed to another time and place. It is so dark and swanky with an electricity in the air. I just love it. The food is plentiful and amazing. We completely indulged. Scallops, Caprese salad, halibut with corn salsa for me, rib-eye steak for Scott, mac and cheese, and fiesta roasted corn. Delectable! El Gaucho is definitely spendy...should be saved for special occasions.

And that leads to today, my actual birthday. Scott surprised me by taking the day off. He brought me a latte and a People magazine and told me just to stay in bed while he did the school morning routine. Nathan and Thomas went to school, Drew had a play date with Grandpa and Grandma, and Scott and I were able to spend the day together. We went for a long ass-kicking hill walk, went out to brunch, went shopping, and were just able to spend some much-needed time together. What a nice way to spend the day.

Tonight Thomas had his second t-ball game. He had three great hits...cranked one as a matter of fact. He also played 1st base and got an out. We all had a lot of fun at his game.

The parental folks came over for presents and cake after Thomas' game. Cake made with love by Drew, my dad and mom.

As the first day of my 37th year comes to end, I feel completely blessed and a bit worn out by all the celebrations. I'm off to bed and I hope the next year is filled with happy memories, good health for all that I love, and the ability to be reflective and to enjoy the simplest things in life.