Presents

Yesterday was John's birthday and for the first time in my life, I feel like I got the right present for someone. Normally, I'm not a stellar gift-giver. I put too much pressure on it, can never think of the "perfect" gift, and get jammed up. I end up gifting something that is somewhat thoughtful or somewhat of a joke.

After my birthday back in January, when John got me a perfect gift, the pressure was on. His gift was not only thoughtful, it was totally "me," and it was beautiful, (they say you can never go wrong with jewelry, but you most certainly can - jewelery can come off as impersonal if you don't truly know the person. John did not go wrong in the least).

So what to get my adventurous boyfriend? Certainly the typical "guy" gifts were out - no watches, cologne, or tech stuff here. Books were out - though we both love them, shelves are getting full - plus, those are gifts we give each other "just because."

Long story short, I was very happy with what I came up with, and more importantly, so was he. There's nothing better than seeing someone genuinely enjoy a gift you give them.

Tonight is "Birthday: Phase 2." Pistachio cake. Wish me luck in baking!

Happy Birthday Farah

 via cupcakesandcashmere

They say when you write, you should keep one or two people in mind, so your voice stays consistent. My dear Farah was the one who inspired me to write this blog, so I write for her (I have found this to be very useful; I have many "voices" and trying to stay consistent is always a challenge because, to put it simply, I'm a crazy person). She knows me and the many sides of my personality well, so she seemed to be the ideal audience. Farah has taught me how to be a good friend; one that is caring, silly, respectful and most of all, thoughtful. She reminds me that being a girl isn't a bad thing, that I should try it almost daily, and that being feminine doesn't mean you're weak, (as I previously thought) often it proves just how strong you are. Farah is the only person I know who's cravings drive her to mango and not chocolate dipped in peanut butter or something else equally as sinful and delicious. She showed me that there is truth behind the old adage, "laughing so hard you pee your pants." Honestly, I've seen her do it, more than once. But it is her genuine love for life that allows her such happiness and today, she celebrates being another year older, and I can only hope, another year happier. 

xo

Saturday night's alright

I think I'm ready to celebrate my birthday with some pretty awesome people tonight. Bring on the sake! Bring on the talking so loud to make sure we can be heard over one another. The (hopefully limited amount of) embarrassing stories told about me in front of my boyfriend. The laughing so hard you can't breathe. The debauchery. The thinking we know where we are going but invariably getting lost. The "remember that time..." The coming together of old and new friends. The "so how does it feel to be this old?" conversation. The "what time is it? I think I have to go home now" declarative statement. The dizziness you get when you're surrounded by people you love.

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