Birthday Month

My birthday is in September, but due to all the craziness of the past couple months (my sister’s wedding, our 5 year college reunion, the start of school, etc), I didn’t really have a chance to write about it.  Luckily, a couple of my friends have decided that it’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate one’s birthday during the entire month it is in (September) and the month following (October).  Which means this post is not late, rather it is in honor of my “birthday month”

On my actual birthday, I taught all day and then sat in a car all afternoon and evening on the way to Maine for my sister’s wedding.  When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a bunch of gifts for me.  With the wedding less than 48 hours away, I was completely prepared to have my 28th birthday overlooked; it’s really not that important.

My parents bought me a glass bowl for my KitchenAid stand mixer, as well as a set of 2 metal loaf pans.  It’s still a bit amusing to me that I often find myself in a situation where I could use an additional bowl for my mixer or more loaf pans, but it happens.  When I became this person, I’m not sure, but I’m really excited about increasing my baking output as a result.  I finally got to test the bowl this morning and it does exactly what it’s supposed to.  The lid is really useful when chilling dough before baking.

My sister proved, once again, that we really are related by buying me a new purse because I “hadn’t replaced mine in a while”.  True, and I appreciate that she understands the need to change one’s handbag just for the sake of change.  Finding a new one was on my list of upcoming purchases, though I hadn’t mentioned it to her.

My aunt and uncle completely surprised me by giving me a set of carved elephants that had belonged to my grandfather.  I can actually remember them in his house, probably twenty years ago.  I have been collecting elephants for most of my life and even though I haven’t added any new pieces in years, I love the new addition and am looking forward to finding a perfect place for them.

On Monday, my friends arrived in my classroom with their belated (but still within my birthday month!) gift.

Real friends make their friends tea wreaths, correct?  I haven’t tried out any of the teas yet, but I’ll probably start this week.  The Sweet Chili is especially intriguing.  My crafty friend Jen made the card, which says “You’re tea-rrific” on the inside, and I think I’m going to frame it.  Tea obsessed?  Perhaps, but at least my friends make the most of it.