Happy Birthday

One of the unspoken truths for many of us in the midst of young motherhood is this: on your birthday and Mother's Day, you really just want to be alone, or with your adult friends or your partner. As opposed to: with your kids.

Today, I am 37, and though I got to sleep in the basement last night, this morning has been little more than meltdown mayhem. As such, I don't consider my special day to really start until both boys are at school. When I can actually think, take a deep breath, uncrimp my body, put myself first.

I can't wait.

I'm seeing some friends this morning and then indulging in a looong massage. As quickly after school pick-ups as possible, I'm going to leave the kids with a babysitter and go get a pedicure. I intend to actually read some of my book today. I want to have some time to work up a recipe I've been pondering.

I can't wait.

Driven to the mall, awesome lunch coming

Another too-chilly-for-shorts day drove us to a suburban mall for long-sleeve shirts and a new pair of jeans for each boy. I was forced to buy a pair of tights to wear under my dress when we head out to dinner tonight. A sad acquiescence to a cold front, but alas. At least it's a gorgeous day, and T and I are heading to La Petite Grocery for a wonderful lunch together. Yee-haw!

That risotto is so good, why is it so cold here?

Y'all, I am freezing. FREEZing! I took Percy for a walk this morning and had on a turtleneck, scarf and jacket and thought I wouldn't make it. I am so over any semblance of winter and cannot wait to get to New Orleans! Last night's dinner was wonderful. This risotto is the bomb, and the fennel-sultana bread, toasted and drizzled with honey, made a really, really good breakfast this morning. I'll post that recipe soon.