For those of you who didn't know, I turned the ripe old age of 26 last Monday and Joe made the entire week a fabulous tour de birthday.
On the day itself Joe gave me a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch for my morning present (more on these later). This was the perfect present because I love Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but recognize that it has no nutritional value and is therefore best for recreational eating. That evening we celebrated with my mom who was gracious enough to give birth to me on her own birthday. While this is fine now, she admits to not being exactly thrilled to share the day when I was 8 and had 10 screaming girls over for a slumber party. In any case, Grandma Jean and my Uncle Robin joined us for a delicious dinner, dessert, and good times.
Both Joe and I like to have an entire day with each other to celebrate our birthdays. Because of this October 7th was our two-some-birthday day. Now for some background. First, the morning present tradition comes from the Evans side of things. When I learned of this tradition it didn't take me long to claim it as my own as I was essentially offered a bonus birthday present. Who would reject that tradition? I got lucky this year and got two morning presents because Joe couldn't fathom not presenting one on the day itself, or on our two-some day. I need to remember that for future birthday arrangements. Next piece of background: More than anything in the world I wanted a guitar for my birthday. However, I had not asked for one. In fact, I expressly forbade the guitar gift option. I have one, but it's not particularly good and occasionally sounds a bit like a ukulele. The real issue is that I'm not particularly good. I'm just learning and had figured that I could have a guitar once I had earned it with stellar skills. Despite all that, my desire for a guitar was great and I secretly wished that Joe would choose that as my gift, though I was sure he wouldn't because I told him flat out not to.
Okay, background delivered, we're back to the morning of October 7th over the fabulous breakfast Joe made me. When I came down there were two packages next to my plate, which I opened over breakfast. The first was a guitar tuner (yes! good sign!) and the second was a new set of strings for my current guitar. Joe explained to me that they would make it sound less like a ukelele which would help me enjoy playing more (hopes dashed. so sad inside.) I tried exude happiness and joy, but, as I learned later, it was so apparent that I was disappointed that he nealry insisted I open my real present immediately.
Let's just ignore the work day, because that is not exciting. We did go out for lunch at McMenamin's where the voodoo veggie wrap had been removed from the menu but they still graciously assembled one for me. What birthday luck!
Joe picked me up after work and took me home. When we got home it became apparent that he had already been there because there were balloons on the door! He made me close my eyes and walked me upstairs where he instructed me to relax and read one of the magazines he'd picked out for me. Moments later he came upstairs with a gin and tonic and the promise of dinner in a few minutes. After 20 minutes with my Glamour he came up and escorted me downstairs. He'd put up streamers and set the table beautifully. He'd also ordered take out from our favorite terrible ambiance restaurant and displayed the appetizers beautifully. I was so glad that dinner was at home because I was a bit tired and didn't really have it in me to go out. He had also ordered my favorite dish. Again, next to my plate there was a very small package. I was very nervous because it wasn't the size of anything that I wanted. I knew I may have to act so I prepared myself and thought of how perfect the dinner was. After centering myself, I opened the package. It was capo (which is a guitar thingy). I knew that a $20 item was not my real gift so I started to get so excited I could hardly contain myself. Joe took me into the living room and there was the most beautiful guitar and exactly what I wanted. I was positively giddy.
I truly have the best husband in the world.
He didn't even stop there. On Friday he cooked and tidied for a gathering with my highschool gals and their others. Kathryn, Ben, Virginia, Marg, and Casey all came down. It was so good to see them and get to spend some real time together. I think my favorite part was Kathryn and Marg painting their toe nails while the rest of us bummed around.
Yea Birthday and Yea Joe!
