My birthday is this week and here are a couple highlight of the celebrations we’ve been having around here, because you asked. Except you didn’t. But you’re still reading this, which is basically the same as asking. Anyways, here it goes:
James is in town for three days, which is the best gift I could ever imagine, even if he managed to show up with more dirty clothes in his carry-on then I knew he owned. When I looked at the mound and back at his tiny suitcase with a quizzical expression, he merely explained that it was like Santa Claus fitting all those gifts in that one tiny sack. Regardless, having him here makes everything feel like a celebration. Setting the table! Binging on Netflix! Going through piles of mail! Life with him is the best.
Also, because he knows my love language, we spent my birthday making sure I got all my favorite foods. Why pick between a macaron and a cupcake when you CAN HAVE BOTH? We went out to lunch at my current favorite neighborhood spot, mostly so I could have the iced tea, my very favorite sweet tea around. Not too sweet, just a little spice, and comes in a cute jar. Yep, I’m a sucker for branding. What’s that, you want a close up shot of the tea being poured? Sure thing.
As I’ve said before, one of the perks of only seeing him every never is that that we live up the brief dates we are able to snag. Last night I had a panicked moment thinking he might try to be sweet and cook me dinner on my birthday, but luckily he knows that his wife likes eating out almost as much as she likes baby animals. And that People, is a lot. Also, he can’t cook, so being surprised with dinner when I was looking forward to menu perusing and doggie bags is never really a danger. Thus we were crazy and ate out for lunch and dinner, which meant that I finished the eat-a-thon by begging James to just let me take a nap on the sidewalk until I didn’t feel full anymore, something I imagined happening perhaps by the following birthday.
Tonight after he leaves, some friends are organizing a little backyard cookout for yours truly and because I am actually a benevolent dictator with better hair, I told them to do whatever they wanted, AS LONG AS I HAD PINK CAKE. For me, pink cake (read: boxed strawberry cake mix) IS the taste of birthdays. At least, it is of mine. I’m also pretty excited to continue rocking out parties in the back yard (theirs, not mine) before winter shows up again.
Lest you think that all that was noteworthy in this birthday was edible, please know that I also unwrapped one of the best gifts imaginable from my sweet husband: a clap-adapter for my bedside lamp.
YOU GUYS.
This means that now, instead of having to sit up and lean over to turn off my lamp, I can just clap. Game changer. I have happened to mention I wanted one only about every single night of our marriage and I am thrilled to announce that I spent a solid chunk of time yesterday just clapping that lamp on and off. I am so excited that I pretty much feel like doing this all the time:
That my friends, is pure joy. Pure, clap-lamp, cake, sweet-tea, happy to be with husband, birthday joy. The very best kind.
The Art in Life 
This is lovely! really made me smile today 🙂
I’m so glad!
I have enjoyed ALL your posts and pictures! You are awesome and though i don’t know you, I think you’re a GREAT writer and someone FUN to be around!!!! 🙂
Ah thanks- I have some pretty fun people around me and that makes all the difference!
Your jumping picture is sheer perfect. Happy birthday sweet friend! I just love this post and I absolutely love birthdays.
I love the jump shots. This one almost ended in me tripping and falling, but, you know, SACRIFICES MUST BE MADE.
Thanks friend!!! The day after my birthday an artisan donut shop just opened up two blocks away so BIRTHDAY JOY WILL LIVE ON.
Happy birthday, Hannah! I pray you have a blessed birthday week – but it sounds like you already are!
Thanks! It is so blessed indeed!
I always love your writing, Hannah, but this post makes me smile all over, just for the pure joy you express and the unique way you have with words. So glad–always–to read your blog! Belated Happy Birthday! May the year ahead contain many moments of pure awe, sheer joy, and deep, deep happiness.
Thanks! I am hoping for all the AWE out there!
This is so joyful, I love it!
Birthdays should pretty much be the most joyful days ever. ; )
Happiest of Birthdays to you, Hannah! I’m really glad you got to spend it with your love!
It made it the happiest it could possibly be. : )
So glad you had a wonderful birthday celebrating with James! Going out to eat is my favorite too, and I’m glad you got to alllll weekend. Happy belated birthday Hannah!
This is hilarious. Love reading your blog. Your birthday sounds perfect. And who knew a clap-adapter existed…LIFE CHANGED.
Happy Belated Birthday Hannah! I’ve been an avid reader of your blog for several months now but fell waaaaay behind with crazy work. However, was catching up while being stuck in the office and counting the seconds until Friday and just had to leave a comment on this post because September 12th was my birthday week as well (I’m September 16th – turned the big 3-0 this year). AND, pink cake out of box has always been one of my birthday traditions as well. My dad makes it for me every year, and even when I don’t get to see my family until weeks after my actual birthday, my dad always has a pink cake waiting for me. Hope your next year is fabulous. 🙂