Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday, my 22nd birthday, was the best birthday ever! First, Andy took me to the climbing gym, where I got a free leading lesson - which means I can now clip into the caribeners as I go up the wall, instead of needing a top rope clipped in. This is a much more fun and challenging way to climb, even if it is more dangerous.

Incidentally, today, I tried to lead a 5.10c on the ceiling and failed miserably, but it was hella fun. I was also told by a woman at the gym that I am “an amazing climber” and that I have “a really natural grace” when I climb. I didn’t feel hit on, so I can only take it as a real compliment, which feels really nice
Anyway, back to the birthday. After climbing, I came back, had a shower, and then 13 of us drove over to The Yard House in Pasadena for a fantastic dinner. The wait was an hour and a half (they don’t take reservations) so Andy bribed the Maitre’D. I was SO impressed. Then he gave me his present, which I totally was not expecting: a gorgeous Tiffany heart chain bracelet engraved with our names and the words “love forever.” SO romantic!

The things I usually value about Andy are his honesty and sense of fun and communication skills and kindness and decency (I could go on). I don’t place a tremendous amount of weight on his ability to arrange the perfect evening, bribe maitre’d and pick out exquisite jewelry. Anyone who has met Andy knows that his forte lies more in the substance than the style. But when he make style happen of his own free will, I think it’s about the sexiest thing on the planet.

The nicest thing about the dinner was just looking around the table at my friends and feeling so wonderful. I just kept looking and smiling and smiling. I realized that these people have become my family. I love them all so much!

People brought me prezzies, even though they didn’t need to. I got some gorgeous earrings from my sister in-law to-be, Susan (who is such a sweetie for coming!) and a set of peurple beurzday (don’t ask) balloons from Debbie & Jules, plus a purse and some other fabulous goodies. My Dad, Cheryl and the kids sent me some really cool books from Amazon.com - and my mom is buying me climbing shoes when I get home. Thank you one and all!

Then we came back and went to parties at Mudd and Pitzer, watched an episode of That 70’s Show all cuddled up in his room, and went to sleep. What a perfect birthday!

That, and this David Horsey cartoon was published on my b-day:

which just makes me happier, since it’s such an appropriate diatribe for me.