P.S.

Isn't this picture cute? It's from the Canada trip, courtesy of Dave or Holly, and it's definitely one of my favorites of all time.

Birthday Week, pt. III

We're going to have to skip part II since I don't yet have the pictures. I have to get them from a few people...

On the day of my birth, April 21, I awoke to sunshine. Sunshine! (It had been, and continued to, rain all week. All. week.) I got some fun presents from my roommates, including a cast iron griddle that will take my pancakes up a notch. (I used it on Saturday and it was definitely an improvement! Not to mention I felt super official.) My parents had sent me a birthday package so I ripped it open (in 5 year old style... I can't help it! I love birthdays!) and found a gorgeous new blouse. Birthday outfit, donned.

After work I had planned to take the bus to Dave's house where we would have dinner together. As I walked out the door and started walking to the bus stop, I saw from behind a person sitting on a bench. I thought to myself, "The back of that person's head doesn't look like anyone I normally see here." And then, "That person's jacket looks a lot like Dave's jacket." And then, "Omigosh! It's Dave!" He surprised me and came to pick me up from work! (This is one of my highest luxuries. As a takes-public-transportation-everywhere person, getting a ride ranks up there with a bubble bath or a chocolate dessert. Seriously.)

Dave -- surprise in Hyde Park!

We made stir-fry for dinner (my favorite) and watched 30 Rock (my favorite!) and ate strawberry shortcake (my favorite!).

Vanilla Bean macaroons -- this one was my favorite

He gave me some fabulous gifts as well. A lovely bag from a vintage shop in Chicago (I've been on the bag hunt for a while!), macaroons (I've been itching to try them for months), an awesome ceramic travel mug (such bright colors!), and a bouquet of flowers that are brightening up a dreary last few weeks of April.

Modeling three of my birthday gifts -- blouse, bag, bouquet

It was a lovely birthday and I'm so thankful to my friends and family, near and far, for how special and loved they made me feel. I've got long thank you notes coming to all of you!

At work on Friday, feeling very colorful

I love my phone!

I just downloaded a photo booth app and it's going to be sooo much fun. I love photobooths! (Yes, this is me at 9 on a Saturday morning. Please don't look too closely.)

Places on Earth

I love maps. This one in particular. It's called "Places on Earth" and is created by You, Me, and the Royal We. It even comes with pins to show where you've been and where you want to go. I would love to put it up in my living room.

Check it out, check it out

It rained and snowed like crazy this weekend. Look at us braving the elements. I got a new coat which is my new favorite thing. It is S.O. W.A.R.M. Seriously, it might change my life. It was -10 this morning and only my face was cold.

If you click here you'll see that my first bookcover is now listed in the UCP online catalog!

Friday was the day where I thought I was almost finished with everything. Saturday and Sunday were days full of Christmas and anniversary celebrations. Today is the day where I realize that I have lots more to do. Not imminently, but it's coming. The next few months will be carazy. (Yes, ca-razy).

Now back to work.