Birthday Reflections

It was a good day.

That's the first time I've been able to say that about my birthday since high school! My birthdays typically consist of sitting around the house, bored out of my mind, while waiting for my parents to return so we can go out to dinner. But today was about as far away from that as possible. I stayed up until almost 3 am last night knitting and watching videos on Hulu. I've made some progress on the cardigan (!) and am currently working on finishing Erin's hat (which I should have done several months ago. I scrapped it and started over).

Shopping with Becky was fun. We realized last night that we've known each other for 8 years, which was scary! I spent way too much money on clothes! Free People is an expensive addiction, but it was my birthday, so I gave in to the urge. The salesperson (tall, blond, SKINNY, and ponytailed) was very helpful , and I could tell she really wanted the commission, because she not only paid a lot of attention to me, but even brought in some sizes that were not what I would pick out for myself (read: she brought me a size 8. Size 8! And it fit, too). I ended up getting a blue/indigo stripey tank top that zips up the front (her suggestion) and a shirt with an embroidered bib and lace segment on the back. [Pictures soon?]

I got to pick the location for tonight's dinner. We went to Rutabagorz, a sort of hippie-ish (but not overtly so) throwback to the 70's that specializes in vegetarian and "health" food--though they also serve food that I would argue verges toward the commonly-accepted mainstream. We hadn't been there for a few years, and the food (chicken alfredo for the parentals and cacciattore [I know, I butchered the spelling] and soup for the brother; veggie burrito with avocado for me) was phenomenal. They put a lot of avocado on the burrito, which made me quite happy. Lots of tomatoes and beans, the perfect amount of lettuce, and corn tortillas. I can't recommend this place enough.

I talked to the parents about purchasing a car, and it's looking like the plans are slowly solidifying. This is exciting and unexpected. I don't think I'll get the Dodge Charger that I told them I wanted, though. My father laughed not quite derisively, but in that "if you're serious, I'm worried about you" way, and I could tell they were both relieved when I told them I was joking.

My Aunt D., grandmother, and Aunt L. also called to wish me a happy birthday. It was good to be able to talk to them, especially since Aunt D. wasn't able to make it to my graduation.

Anyway, 22 has been great so far. I have a good feeling about it and, for the first time in months, confidence that things are going the way they're meant.