Annum

It's no secret the past year has been a very challenging one for the Barrys. J has had some job uncertainties, and I've apparently done all sorts of nasty things to my body. There were times I was truly uncertain as to what tomorrow would hold -- or, genuinely and with some cause, if there would even BE a tomorrow.

Last night, some of my dearest family came over for a bit of a surprise dinner to celebrate life and living, in the form of my 34th birthday. It was truly a treat to have them with us. J made THE most amazing dinner -- complete with linens and nice china and grilled steak & scallops and fresh rosemary bread and ... it was amazing. He wouldn't let me do a thing, working so hard to make it a wonderful evening, and he really succeded.

Joining us for the festivities were Matt, Monique, the Monkey, Kim, Dave and Cath: let me tell you, this is just a great crew. We ate (a lot), drank (a lot) and laughed (a LOT), and it was probably the best birthday I've ever had. And there were wonderful birthday gifts too -- gorgeous hats and classic movies and books and diamond bracelets and also, Patron! -- but the time spent was really beyond price for me.

This morning my kitchen looks as though it's exploded; I think we used every dish we own. I told J that we should have just ordered takeout, that would have been just fine, but he replied over and over again that he wanted to do this so that I would know how happy he is that I'm alive and still with him. I can only reply that, J, I already knew. You're the best partner anyone could ever hope for, in all ways: you make me feel valued and loved, and there is no more precious a gift. I'm thankful that I'm about to hit 34, but even more thankful that I have such an amazing family to see me through. Bring on 35 ... I'm ready to see what the next year has to offer.