Birthday rundown

Birthday 2009 will have some big shoes to fill, because yesterday was one of the best birthdays I have ever had. Now, that’s a pretty bold statement, considering that when I turned seven, we got a huge blizzard, so I got to sledding and open presents instead of going to school. But, really, this year was a milestone birthday, made only sweeter by the lovely Internet wishes. Thanks so much, everyone!

As soon as I got home from work, I opened up my presents from JG, starting with two new games! And then, there it was, The Mystery Gift of Awesomeness, just waiting to have the paper ripped off. One good tug with each hand revealed —

A fleece blanket? Um…

I flipped it over, and I still did not quite understand: What the heck is a Slanket?

A Slanket, you see, is a giant fleece throw with built-in sleeves, which is perfect for someone who is constantly cold and always reading, namely, ME! I did not fully grasp the awesomeness until I tried out this newfangled blanket, whose voluminous folds of softness completely enveloped me. Oh, sweet warmth! Now, my arms won’t get chilly when I’m working through my book club selection or making my fourteenth volleyball scarf. And, hey, if I happen to fall asleep in it, we will consider that a side benefit. Ted was unexpectedly hostile toward the new living room addition, which does not bode well for his future snuggle quotient with me. Although I was initially puzzled when I unwrapped the present, I admit that none of JG’s clues were misleading: the Slanket is big, light, the single product of a company, unknown to me before this point, a great gift candidate for his mother, and — yes — it is truly awesome. Good job, Husband!

JG had to wrest me out of the arms of the Slanket before I realized that I only had twenty minutes before our cupcake-eating guests were supposed to arrive, so I hustled to set up the table with unfrosted Funfetti cupcakes (both regular size and mini), frosting, sprinkles, and flowers. Our friends came bearing birthday cards, an amazing floral arrangement, and a cheerful, potted gerbera daisy that I brought in to the office today. JG and I had a really wonderful time with our friends, and having dessert together was a great way to spend a school-night birthday.

I resisted the urge to document people’s “sample platters” of mini cupcakes, the cute cupcake creations that our friends’ kids made, and Ted’s overflowing joy of having new playmates because I just wanted to sit back and enjoy everyone’s company. The journalistic need to get everything on the record didn’t exactly jive with a laid-back party, and I was okay with that. It was good to simply be there without trying to take photographic notes the whole time. After everyone headed home, I packed up the remaining cupcakes for JG to take to school. I’ll be surprised if any of those come back to the house; hungry teachers swoop down on baked goods like vultures.

Tonight, JG and I are going out to dinner at our beloved Half Moon, and then we’re spending the weekend at his parents’ house. We all know what that means — let the birthday festivities continue!