A perfect day

So yesterday was my birthday, making me officially "in my 30s." I don't usually bemoan getting older, and I didn't this time either. Maybe it's because I'm still relatively young, but I've always believed that every birthday is a cause for celebration. Every day of every year is a gift and I think they should be celebrated as such. This particular year I started celebrating on Saturday night with my friend Laura. We went to the Sugarland concert together and our husbands were kind enough to volunteer to drop us off and pick us up so we took full advantage of our designated drivers =) (although my husband insists hers got off easy drawing drop off duty). Sunday morning, on my birthday I decided Waffle House was most definitely on the agenda for breakfast so my husband, brother and I jumped in the car sans showers for some greasy hangover helper. For me, nothing cures the morning-after better than hashbrowns topped with cheese, chili and eggs, and this morning was no exception. Add in a fountain Diet Coke and I'm on my way to recovery. The remainder of the day was spent lounging on the couch and opening presents. Tough, I know. The gift pile contained

• A Garmin GPS, round 2, from my husband Robinson. I say "round 2" because he got me one for my birthday two years ago, which I absolutely loved, but was stolen when my car was broken into back in January. Rest assured, this one will be guarded very closely.
• A generous check from my parents to apply towards an upcoming trip Robinson and I are taking to Austin. One of his cousins, Frances, is getting married and we're taking an extended trip to make a little vacation out of it.
• From my sister, Jamie, and her boyfriend Eric, a subscription to Atlanta Magazine (which I requested), and a subscription to Food & Wine magazine. I've never read this one before, but as Jamie put it, "If it's about food, and about wine, it's got to be good!" I'd tend to agree.
• A memory foam pillow from my brother, Tyler (another request), and a Big City Slider Station (yes, As Seen On TV!). My brother can always be counted on for thoughtful, unique gifts and this is no exception. Can't wait to try this bar-food favorite at home.
• From my in-laws, an Oxo Mandolin and a subscription to Cooks Illustrated, both of which I'm super excited about. I specifically asked for this mandolin because it's able to cut french fries and crinkle/waffle fries, and I make a lot of homemade fries. And Cooks Illustrated was a total surprise but just goes to show how well they know me as it's such a great technical resource, especially for a "whys and hows" person like myself.

We rounded off the day with sushi for dinner - one of my absolute favorite things to eat. We did have to drive to 3 different places to find a sushi restaurant that was open on a Sunday, but it was worth it. Once you get that craving...

So all in all it was pretty much a perfect day. When I recapped it on Facebook, one of my old sorority sisters, Jenny, commented, "You haven't changed a bit since college!" and I laughed out loud because she was so right. It may not be for everyone, but for me, good food, a comfy couch and good company adds up to a perfect (birth)day every time.