My Birthday!

I know, I know, it's still the morning of my Birthday, but this is something I really did want to do today. I told my students I was 'booked' for the day (aren't I naughty?) so I could really, truly, take a moment to celebrate life today. Lately many of my posts have been a bit...sad. I'm sure it's just a combination of writing a thesis and my least favorite part of winter. But since the weather has been so lovely lately, and my thesis is (probably) coming along, I feel comfortable posting again.

So, first things first. After a dozen 'drop dead due dates' I finally (FINALLY) finished a complete draft of my thesis. Saturday I gave in and worked when I usually just spend time with Neal. After two hours, I was done and he was a bit exasperated. I mean, weeks of stressing for just like five hours worth of writing and I could have been done? I feel a bit sheepish about it all looking back. Anyways, as soon as I was done, I insisted we drive up to campus, print it out and put it in my thesis adviser's box. As possibly the worst example of a writer ever, I didn't even read it through. Seriously guys, I teach people to write for a living, and I'm such a hypocrite! The draft is in though, and I have a week or two of freedom from the stress before I get the inevitable feedback that there's a lot more work to be done before it's ready.

My second major thought this morning? The weather. It doesn't matter what you say, when March 4th dawns spring is here. My Birthday is a spring Birthday. So when I heard rain falling against the siding and felt the cool breeze through the open window I knew it was going to be a good day. Heck, I don't care if it snows today! I had my moment of feeling the beginnings of warmth. Around this time of year I start singing songs from The Secret Garden, "winter's on the wind, tis a fine spring morn."

I guess there isn't much more to say today. My camera has been pretty unused lately, but here are some photos of the most difficult cake I've ever made. It was Neal's Birthday cake with layers of homemade Angel's food, Devil's food, and peanut butter mousse, all topped in chocolate ganache. The professional chef made it so much better, but I'm still proud. And by proud I mean Neal loves it and I ate two bites and was done. Far too rich for my taste! Also, it took five hours to make. No joke there. I told him we couldn't eat such a cake again until we had like five kids to help me.

The cake was about a foot tall.

And the layers of cake got a little squished because of the weight of the mousse and ganache. 

Most people make major goals near the New Year. For me, my Birthday has always been the time I feel most motivated. Last year my goals were kind of cheating. For example, "get married" even though I was already engaged. But this year, with the possibility of graduating and a 'big move' (I mean, I've been in Logan basically since high school), my goals seem so much more attainable. The goals aren't usually big-ticket items (marriage was an exception). For example, some goals this year include learning how to cook with quinoa and different types of flours, organizing all of Neal and I's books, and sewing my own curtains. Hopefully, by the time I turn 28, I will have learned how to select fabrics and sew (for the curtains), and actually gathered all our books in the same location.

Anyways, on my Birthday I hope you have a beautiful day. Take a moment to enjoy the smell of the air, the feel of the biting temperatures, and the hope of spring.