Happy Day

Yesterday was my 29th birthday. I was a good little girl, and went to all my classes, including the 9am in Oakland. Max made it more bearable by treating to me to a Starbucks run and a ride across the bridge, rather than the Subway.

When I got back to the San Francisco campus at 12.30, I went to lunch with some of my favorite girlfriends, Ruth, Deborah and Libby. We ate Chinese food at Eliza's and talked about our Thanksgiving celebrations, local gossip and how the movie The Notebook made those us of who saw it on the plane WEEP like babies! (People - if you haven't seen it, go out there and rent it!)

One moment that took me by complete surprise is mentioned here. I can only imagine that Hans has done some reading of my blog, or he has been spying on me for ages. I am baffled by how he knew it was my birthday - that I was in class and where - and that I love these actors!

I met Max back in Berkeley after my 7pm class, and he took me to Chez Panisse for dinner. We drank champagne and white wine and ate some of the most delicious food. I was in awe of the dessert Max had: Dave Fredrick's Clementines and Barhi dates. I've never eaten dates like this!!

I felt overwhelmed by all the gifts he gave me. Loads of books I wanted, including the David Sedaris books I haven't read yet, Culture of Fear, Devil in the Details and Acquainted with the Night. He also gave me a penguin calendar for next year, and a box of white chocolate truffles from Godiva. I'm a lucky woman.

I can't believe how many birthdays I've celebrated with Max. I reminded him that ten years ago, he gave me a box of Cracklin' Oat Bran and a jar of blue hair dye. I knew then it was a real love affair.