My birthday!

Although MM was on call on my birthday (boohoo), I had the opportunity to go out with my girlfriends that night for a nice quiet dinner at Maggiano's. One of my medical school friends is on a gluten free diet (AKA "a wheat allergy"), which through a great bout of irony is more common in Italians, and Maggiano's has a great gluten free menu. I also thought I could have my long noodles, but in all my birthday excitement, I had gnocchi instead. Short potato pasta.

SUPERSTITION FAIL.

The next night, when MM was post-call, he took me out to the Capital Grille, our go-to fancy place. I love love LOVE the Capital Grille. Who cares if it's a chain? I love how on special occasions, they take your picture, and give you a take home card with it that says "Live well and always find cause for celebration". I am sappy like that.

Despite MM urging me to try something new, I couldn't help but get my usual. The filet oscar. OH. EM. GEE. It's delicious. Go to your nearest Capital Grille and have one now if you haven't already.

It's divine. Source

We finished with a heavenly chocolate cake. Also divine, but nothing touches the filet oscar. NOTHING.

My lovely mother also sent me a birthday package. Included was three (3!!!) bags of homemade chocolate chip cookies, a box of brownies, 2 pairs of shoes (did I ever mention that I take after my mother, and that we LOVE shoes?), and 2 tops. I heart my mom. If I grow up to be exactly like her, I'd be ecstatic.

Oh, and she also included a birthday card. "I forgot to run to the store." she had explained. Witness:

Note the very carefully applied white-out

"It's semi-homemade!" (We also both love the food channel--Sandra Lee anyone?) My mom cracks me up.

All in all, a pretty awesome and delicious birthday. YAY ME!