Updates, Finally

Yes, it’s been over 2 weeks since you’ve heard anything from me, but no, I’m not dead. Here’s what’s been going on.

I started my new job, and am now in week number three, and despite all the insanity of being new in a busy office, I love it.

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My birthday was lovely this year.

My actual birthday, November 15th, was on a Thursday this year, and fell during my first week at the new company, so I opted to stay in for a glass of wine and conversation with a couple friends. Altogether low key, but rather nice.

On the next evening, I celebrated with friends at Art Attack, which turned out to be a great event. (I’ll write a separate post, but until then you can see pictures here.) Several folks surprised me by stopping by to say hello, and it was wonderful to catch up with old friends. I had a late dinner at Tucker’s in Soulard- I’m in love with any place cooking me a steak dinner at midnight- then rounded out my evening with fuzzy conversation at Mangia and vanilla bean cheesecake at The Dinner. (The sunrise was pretty, just in case you missed it.)

On Saturday, I baked a cake (which I ended up consuming a good part of, mind you) for a friend’s birthday party that evening. I used my favorite family chocolate cake recipe and vanilla icing, combined with a ad hoc raspberry filling, and despite an oven issue and lack of recent baking practice, it turned out beautifully. Why don’t I have pictures? It was so cute; I colored the icing pink and used sprinkles. Yay for birthdays.

However, the very best part about my birthday this year was all the kind wishes. I was overwhelmed. 5 people left the Happy Birthday song on my voice mail, my in-box was full of fascinating letters from around the globe, MySpace comments abounded, and I’m very thankful for all the thoughtful gifts.

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Thanksgiving was also fun this year.

I drove to Indiana to visit my mom, who had just moved into her new house. It’s adorable! Although it’s small and needs a bit of decorating help, I love it. She has her own garage now, a nice sized yard, and plenty of storage. I’m so proud of her.

We ate Thanksgiving dinner with a gang of old family friends we don’t get the opportunity to see often, and spent the rest of the weekend catching up and visiting shops, with a nice dinner out on Saturday night. While out shopping one day, my mom gave me my Christmas gift early, selecting and purchasing a beautiful embroidered winter coat for me. (Seriously, why don’t I have pictures?) You’ll just have to trust me, it’s the loveliest thing you’ve ever seen.

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All right, I think those are the major happenings, such as they are, or at least that’s all I have time for this minute, so stayed tuned.