Happy Birthdays!!!

Today is my grandmother's 90th birthday! Our family had a big bash planned for her this Saturday, however gram never made it to see 90- she passed away peacefully last Saturday. She was my last grandparent, and I had always been very close to her. Both being Aries, we had a lot in common. My sister and I called her "teenage gram" as she always looked fabulous, was full of energy, and was just. . . cool.

Yesterday was my birthday, and the first birthday without my gram. We always celebrated birthdays together- at least I got to spend 36 birthdays with her.






Bryan, the best husband in the world, came home from work yesterday with my birthday cake. He told the bakery to make it creative and use lime green frosting (my favorite color). The the results were amazing. Almost too pretty to eat.











My birthday dinner selection was Peking duck at a Chinese restaurant in Shaker Square. That was the third time I had it and just love it. The first time in Chinatown NYC when I was a kid. The second time in Beijing, China- which is where the dish originated. (Beijing, the capitol of China, was called Peking years ago)

It's quite simple - you add a little duck, plum sauce, scallions to a thin pancake, roll it up and eat it. We had call and reserve the Peking duck 24 hours in advance so they can obtain a fresh one, and cook it. When we arrived our duck was waiting for us. I did feel bad eating the poor duck. Sorry duck, but you were so good!

My birthday gift is a trip to Chicago in May when it's warmer. We both get to benefit from that. I am more about experiences/making memories than material gifts. That is even more important now since my gram is gone. So, since I couldn't decide what I wanted for my birthday - when I saw cheap flights to Chicago I said, "hey Bryan want to go to Chicago for my birthday?" Obviously he said yes. Yeah, I am a little spoiled . . .

Having this whole week off of work has been so nice. I am dreading going back to work- but hey at least I have a job!