“So what’d your husband and the kids get you for your birthday?”

“A sausage stuffer.”

“A…what? Sorry? How…um…thoughtful?”

Get your mind out of the gutters, people.

I wasn’t expecting a gift, so this was a nice surprise. The attachment set for my KitchenAid mixer was on my ‘nice to have one day’ list, so I can check that off. When I told my mother-in-law that’s what they got me, she was deeply unimpressed. But I have learned to keep my expectations low around here, so I was shocked and amazed! Stuffed sausages for everyone! Also sliced cucumber and breadcrumbs!

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We didn’t have any plans tonight. My family is coming over on Saturday for a meal, so that was the extent of my birthday celebrations. So I made some plans with friends. And told Mark last week. To quote from our BBM conversation,

“Looks like I am going out on Wednesday night.”

“OK.”

But he didn’t register that he’d already booked my brother’s girlfriend to babysit tonight (oh dear god, I am so sorry to be leaving all 3 kids with you) and a table at a local restaurant I’ve been wanting to try.  So I got in trouble, somehow (?!?!), and had to cancel my plans. It’s the thought that counts, right? Right.

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I’m 35 today, which isn’t very old, unless you are 6, and then it’s OLD. Except not as old as Daddy, who must be close to retirement, as was discussed this morning. Despite the fact his grandfathers haven’t actually retired yet.

I don’t feel old in my head. But I could certainly do without waking up with stiff legs as I hobble to the bathroom, and the chin hairs. Bloody chin hairs. What evolutionary purpose do they serve, exactly??

§

I’d better go check my phone to see all the new Facebook notifications. Who could have imagined, back when we were 6, that we’d spend future birthdays with people we both know and don’t know very well sending greetings across the interwebs?

I am grateful for today. For a phone flashing red with more emails and wall notes and mentions, for a sausage stuffer, for a babysitter, for a meal out, for everything.

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