birthday necklace

Andy has called me his puzzle piece ever since we met five years ago. I was so delighted to receive this necklace from him for my birthday!

I bought the rest of my presents myself starting back in October. I love having a December birthday, but it's hard to wait for cute cold-weather clothes/shoes. I also knew I'd have presents to open from my family, and they did not disappoint!

Despite being sick on my birthday, it was still a special time. Three of my girlfriends took me out on Thursday night to Byers Street Bistro in Staunton and my parents treated Andy and I to see "Oklahoma!" at the Arena Stage in D.C. last night. It was a knee-slappin', boot-stompin' heck of a show and we loved it.

Sure, I spent most of the weekend under multiple blankets with "Reading Lolita in Tehran," but if it weren't for the sinus infection I'd say that's a pretty great birthday!

Let's take that road before us and sing a chorus or two

Andy and I had an incredible time with my parents yesterday.  I received the rest of my gifts-- everything I wanted and more-- and we played a few games of progressive rummy before heading out to dinner.  We split the calamari for starters (they have the best calamari ever) and for my meal I had the rockfish with a mushroom risotto, asparagus spears and creamy parmesan potatoes.  You can't go to the Carlyle for dinner and not get dessert, so we had my favorite: the banana pudding.  The waiter brought it out with a candle and the words "Happy Birthday" written on the plate in chocolate.  Everything was perfect, as always. 

The Holiday Pops concert at the Kennedy Center was such a fun experience.  We picked up a little ornament for our tree at the gift shop and reminisced about when we both performed at the Kennedy Center when we were younger.  Andy played in "A Tuba Christmas" in middle school and I performed a scene from "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" with my fellow thespians in high school.  Good times!

In support of our December budget challenge, my mom insisted that I take home a bag full of apples and potatoes.  Andy will be buying milk tonight- our first purchase in the challenge! 

Now I shall take a nap next to Casey, who is already fast asleep and dreaming puppy dreams.

birthday dinner+cake tasting

a blessed birthday!

year 23 started out with a very happy day.

I woke up next to my favorite person who sweetly got up early to have a cup of coffee with me before I left for work. I opened two of my presents and was super excited about my new CD and gorgeous watch.

After work the the family I nanny for took me to see The Princess and the Frog, which was a lot of fun. I also received a nice birthday bonus-- always appreciated.

Andy worked 1-11pm today, so my friend Lisa generously offered to have me for dinner and cake-tasting. I had previously told her that I was craving some cake, but I never expected that she'd go so all out for me! Her table was beautifully decorated-- charger plates and all-- and she had even set different cakes out on a platter with a birthday card and a birthday banner! Thanks Lisa! Pictures will be posted soon.

Had fun hanging out with Lisa and Josh and their friends Avery, Kevin and Ivy. Ivy, you better be reading this!! :) They are such a kind group of people and I'm looking forward to introducing Andy to everyone.

Thank you to everyone who contributed in making my birthday such a special one. The cards, phone calls and facebook posts were greatly appreciated!

Dear Santa

Packages have been arriving at our door and in our mailbox non-stop for the past week, and guess what? They're ALL for me. This is what happens when your husband buys everything online. Not complaining- it's exciting to know there is a closet full of presents to be opened soon!

My 23rd birthday is on Friday. Sadly, Andy is working from 1-11pm, but we're celebrating on Saturday with my parents in northern Va. I'm already salivating at the thought of calamari at The Carlyle in Shirlington. After dinner we're heading to the Kennedy Center to hear the National Symphony Orchestra play holiday music. Marvin Hamlisch is performing- remember him playing Carly Simon on the piano in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days?"

This weekend last year Andy and I were heading to Florida to board a cruise to the Bahamas. That was one amazing vacation, but I have to admit dinner and a show sounds great this year. Sunday I'll be chowing down on pizza and watching "White Christmas" with some of my old housemates, so really I get 2 dinners and shows!

Here's what I'm asking for this Christmas:
(if you read Good Housekeeping you'll see I received some inspiration from their gift guide)

• Bird hooks from Urban Outfitters


• Bird art from Urban Outfitters can you tell I like birds?


• Skinny belt from NY&Co


• Fur hooded vest from NY&Co I also like the jacket


• Remington Straightener from Target


• Any Muppet Show DVD from Amazon yes I love the Muppet Show! meep!


• Go Mini Steamer from HSN


• "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout


• "Guinea Pig Diaries" by AJ Jacobs cannot wait for this one!


• Dutch Oven from WalMart as if we don't have enough dutch ovens in the house ;)

We'll see what Santa brings!