Vibrant (aka Birthday Weekend Wrap Up)

Monday, August 19, 2013


I tripped out of the office as early as I could on Friday–it was my birthday weekend, after all! I picked up John at school and after a quick clean up (and warmer clothes for me), we headed out for something other than Indian food. There was already a 45 minute wait at Nopalito when we arrived at half past six, but the hostess managed to find us a perfect little corner of the bar where we sipped mezcal cocktails, snacked on totopos con chile and duck enchiladas and shared a savory sweet tamale for dessert. After dinner we took a foggy stroll through Golden Gate Park, feeling particularly lucky. 

We were up early the next morning; John stretched his legs while I cooked a simple breakfast of poached eggs over avocado toast, and after running a few errands and a light lunch, we tackled the house–including my birthday presents (you know you're getting older when you want throw pillows and side tables), which we unwrapped and lovingly placed in their proper places. After an adorable animal documentary and a short nap, John put on his seersucker suit and headed off to play a wedding in Alameada while I blogged and read. I threw on my yoga clothes when John wasn't home quite as early as I'd have liked, but we dug into a new recipe for charred corn tacos the moment he got home. Curled up in bed with a comedy was the only place I wanted to be, and when we realized it was a little after midnight, John sang "Happy Birthday" to this drowsy girl! 

John was up early on Sunday morning and let me sleep in while he took off for a run; when he got back we both hopped in some clothes and headed off in search of breakfast. Long lines kept us from a new restaurant whose Eggs Benedict I've been meaning to try, but we ended up at a copper-topped table at Chez Maman sharing a breakfast that beat our highest hopes for the morning. After a stroll around Hayes Valley, including a birthday cake stop at Miette and another espresso shot at Ritual, we headed home for a quiet afternoon of snuggling and reading (plus napping for John). A long walk helped us work up an appetite for Indian food, and we headed to the restaurant with a bottle of bubbles and coupe glasses. My baby brother joined us for a feast, and a slice of birthday cake with coffee after, and once we were curled back in bed, John and I reminisced about the past year and everything we're looking forward to in the future.


It wasn't an easy year (in fact, I think it might go down as one of the most challenging!), but I
I've come out on the other side so much stronger and happier, and your friendships and support meant so much to me during it all. Thank you, thank you, thank you.


13 comments:

  1. Yours is one of my favorite blogs lady.... thanks for sharing this with us!


    P.S. I'm giving away 5 sponsor spots this week on my blog and I'd love for you to come and enter!

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  2. Your birthday weekend sounds just lovely. Happy belated Birthday, Lena! Wishing you much happiness ahead~

    always, koru kate

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  3. I was just thinking about you the other day while on a hike, while Bryan and I were discussing the year we've had. I'm glad the four of us made it out ok, and I'm glad you had a good birthday weekend!

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  4. Happy birthday Lena! I am so glad that John treated you to yet another wonderful weekend - this one more special since it was your birthday - and I just have to say that I have loved reading your blog, it always whisks me away to a magical place of pretty weddings, delicious drinks and romantic strolls. Thank you! And I hope your year gets better...it will! Take care!!! xo

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  5. Happy belated birthday! Sounds like a wonderful way to spend your special weekend!

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  6. Oh it sounds like it was a perfect weekend... happy belated birthday!! Here's to a better year. :)

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  7. Happy Happy Birthday dear Lena...I am sorry this is belated but I hope it was as wonderful as you are. xo

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  8. What a perfect birthday for you! I wish you many more and lots of happiness this next year!

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  9. then here's to a new year! and happy happy birthday to you. :)

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  10. OOOOH, happy belated birthday Lena!

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  11. Duck enchiladas sound AWESOME! Happy belated birthday!

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  12. My sweet- You are incredible! I'm so happy I got to share in your year, even if it was in our special emaily way. Sounds like you had a delicious, sweet, and lovely weekend! Happy birthday. xoxoxo

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