Honey

I’ve never been one to be shy or secretive about my favorite holiday of the year. I have little to no idea of why I’ve always felt so strongly and excited about this day, but I do. I’m also not embarrassed about my age and likely will never be, since I wear each passing year like a badge of accomplishment. I’m proud to be 32, no longer teetering on the edge of my thirties, but all the way in. I’m in love with my thirties, if you hadn’t already noticed.

I’m also in love with baking. Yesterday, I baked my own birthday cake and it is delicious. I couldn’t imagine that we would find a cake in a store or even in a bakery with my strict requirements, so I figured I’d have to get the job done myself. I made a vegan, gluten-free, fruit sweetened banana bread [cake] with chocolate chips for frosting. This is the first time I’ve attempted to replace sugar with fruit juice and I must say that it was a fabulous success. Since I’ve discovered my love of baking, I’ve been consuming a bit more sugar than I’m comfortable admitting, and so it is with extreme delight that I discover that a cake is still delicious without it.

We had dinner last night at the Tin Shed, where we’re headed in a few minutes to have breakfast, too. I greatly enjoyed a vegan BBQ burger. It’s been a really, really long time since I’ve had anything that even slightly resembles a burger, so this was a special treat and it was very delicious.

Last night we went to someone else’s birthday party and I pretended that it was for me. It was a great party actually, pretty mellow and comfortable with lots of wonderful strangers to talk to. I met some more great Portland people and danced around in my new argyle sweater. By the time my birthday was actually in effect at midnight, I had already had an excellent time. I hit my pillow with complete satisfaction.

Today is likely to be just as great. One of our best friends is in town and as I mentioned, we’re headed out to breakfast in a minute. I can hear the house coming awake as I write this. We’ll catch most of the Seahawks-Giants game this morning, have a little lunch and possibly visit the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, which just happens to be free today. Tonight our best Portland friends will join us for sushi at my favorite sushi place. Birthdays are the best.