My Birthday

My Birthday 9/18/14

Written By:  Amy Cakebread after a giant slice of cake.

Yes, 39 years ago, I was born.  Thanks Mom!  Thanks Dad! 

As the last of 5, I broke the mold.  Once I came out, Mom and Dad decided they had finally made the perfect one.  They didn’t need any more (I love how I can write this and Tina and Jim can’t do anything about it. Nahnahnahnahnah.  I’m the favorite.  I’m number 1!). 

Anyway, today is the day that is supposed to be my birthday.  I have tried to weasel out of it by claiming that since I’m not home, it doesn’t count.  Therefore, I will be 38 one more year.  But, Ker and the girls and all the family at home did such a great job commemorating the day, that I think I just have to turn 39 now.

Abby started off the day by coming in and snuggling.  I love to snuggle with my peeps any chance I get.  As they get older, those chances are few and far between.  So, it was a special way to wake up today.  It put me in an excellent mood.  I decided that today I was not going to count points.  Not even one. My phone ding-ed with a Happy Birthday text from Lisa McFarlane.  Then, I got a Facebook notice that Barbara and Sonya wished me a Happy Birthday.  I even “like”-ed both comments. 

After a while, we decided to get dressed and go to breakfast at this great coffee shop Ker discovered in Drogheda.  On our way to Esquires Coffee we encountered a very angry Leprechaun.  But, that's a story for another time.

Esquires Coffee is owned by a guy who was originally from New York but has been here for much of his life.  His shop has great WiFi, terrific atmosphere, talented baristas, a wonderful menu and the best scones I have ever had.  So, it was a win for breakfast today. 

I had a mocha and a raisin scone with cream and strawberry jam.   I heard from Jim at the Esquires.  He was on his way to work and called to wish me a Happy Bday.  I hope he had a good day at work.

After breakfast we went to my favorite bakery/café. 

I picked up my cake there.  I’ve been thinking about picking up a cake since I walked into the shop a couple of weeks ago.  I’ve been in there many times with the girls.  Watching them pick up donuts, pieces of pie, fresh baked bread, muffins, and scones. 

While I didn’t.  So, today, I took my time and picked up a small cake.  They wrapped it up in a box and tied it with string.  We took this along with us when we went to a couple of stores looking for odds and ends.  I heard from Crystal in between stores.

After the bakery and shopping we went to the library where the girls and I perused the offerings for a while.  Ker was off buying running shorts so he can join me at the gym.  I took 10 books—7 of them about Irish history.  I feel so woefully ignorant about all the happenings and significant people in this part of the world.  I’m excited because 2 of the books are picture books.  I didn’t know they made them for adults (okay, the G-rated kind)!  The girls grabbed some books they are excited about. I love going to the library and find things to be excited about.

After Ker met us at the library, we got in the car and drove home.  Once here, the girls took up their schooling and Ker got right to work.  I cleaned up a bit then sat down in front of the washing machine to see if I could spot why it was not spinning yesterday.  Of course, the darn thing was on its best behavior today.  Good.  I’m tired of trying to fix appliances.  As I was monitoring the washing machine, I started reading about the Easter Rising Rebellion.  Interesting stuff.  After the first load, I got to talk to Tina while she finished getting ready to go to work.  

After a bit of lunch, I helped the girls with their schooling and read for a while.  Then I went to HERE (make sure to hover over the events to read the descriptions) to find out what fun we could get into tomorrow.  Colleen liked the fencing, chocolate-ing, and the Bram Stoker event.  Abby will look tomorrow.  I want to see some dancing, music, and singing.  Ker likes the Boxty restaurant.  I think tomorrow is going to be a blast.  We are even going early to look at a couple of cars.  I hope they turn out to be “the one”. 

Abby finished with school first today so she accompanied me to the grocery store to pick up the makings for hamburgers.  That sounded good for dinner.  We ended up eating cheeseburgers, chips (fries) and crisps (chips) with Coke (coke).  Crystal and I kept texting during the grocery experience.  At dinner, the girls gave me their presents.

 Abby made me some pot holders and Colleen gave me some shells she had collected.  Ker got me the perfect card.

After dinner, it was back to work/school for them.  I pursued the internet, wrote the Irish Cream blog entry and read my new book on my Kindle app. 

Once everyone was done, we hauled out the cake.  Ker and the girls sang me the birthday song (which didn't last too long) and I blew out one of the scented candles we bought at Ikea.  I made my birthday wish.  I’m not going to tell you what is was, but I’m hoping it comes true.

I ate a big piece of the cake and enjoyed every second of it. 

We cleaned up then called Barbara.  It was very nice to hear from her.  She’s been to Alabama and just got back to her home Monday.  I spoke with Devan briefly and the next time we talk, he will be happily ensconced in his new dorm at PSU.   I can’t wait to hear every detail.  So, store them up, Dev.

Now that leaves getting ready for bed.  That’s when I got a text and an email from Mom.  She sent me some pictures of the minion hats she is making for people to buy as gifts for there loved ones.  If you want a minion hat, you should get in touch with her.

All in all, so much love sent my way from all around the world and here.  How could I not have a Happy Birthday? 

Love to all, Goodnight!