A Birthday in Review

I turned 25 this year; quarter of a century. A lot of friends also turned 25 and lamented over “being old.” I don’t know when being in your mid-20s qualified as old. I don’t feel old. I still feel like the confused teenage, the misunderstood preteen, the lonely only child playing by herself, the toddler demanding for attention. Each year, I don’t look at how old I am. My birthday doesn’t mark that sort of progression for me like it does for others. Instead, birthdays have always been a celebration. Sort of selfish, sure, as I am an only child with divorced parents so I tend to get quite a number of gifts from each parent and various tokens from step-second families. But also a time for me to remember how I’ve gotten where I am today. All that I’ve experienced and celebrate that with friends. This year I had a quite a bash with friends out on the town and much hilarity occurring.

In the gift department, my Amazon.com wishlist turned out to be the greatest tool ever. I got a wonderful array of delectable gifts including the following:

Sunbeam Electric Throw – I am one cold-blooded kid as no matter what, I need a coat or a blanket. After last year’s greatest. christmas. gift. ever. (aka, the electric blanket) made staying warm a breeze, I decided I needed a throw for those lounging around on the couch days. It’s about the best thing ever. And Ethan likes it too.

Grey’s Anatomy, Season 2 – Who doesn’t like Grey’s Anatomy? Well, if you don’t, or you’re unfamiliar, you are missing out. Fantastic show, includes Doctor McDreamy and the music is great. Seriously, check out the music guide on the site because it is amazing! Mike Doughty, Tegan and Sara, Sia, etc. Awesome.

Oneida Bake and Take 24-Cupcake Carrying Case – Can I just say: I LOVE TO BAKE CUPCAKES! Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I got this great fantastic cupcake carrying case (has anyone tried to figure out ingenius ways of getting these little suckers around?). I have used a variety of methods usually resulting in lopsided sticky cakes that have lost their luster.

One Skein – Cool concept book that has patterns that only require one skein (or one ball for non-yarnaholics) to make a project. What a fantastic idea since I tend to buy yarn because it’s pretty, not because I actually have something in mind for it; a problem I am trying to rectify. Actually making a cable/rib combination scarf I found in it as a Christmas present. Will post pictures soon.

stitch-it kit – I just got this book this past weekend. I am very excited about this. Not that I need another craft but I have always liked cross-stitch but didn’t like the patterns. Alas, here comes Jenny Hart’s Sublime Stitching and a fantastic new approach to this wonderful needlecraft. Oh the wonderful stitching joys to come!

Sew U – From Built by Wendy‘s founder Wendy Mullin, learn how to reconstruct your own wardrobe to create unique, interesting pieces. Sewing is one of those things I know minimally about. I know how to press the pedal and stitch a hem. But understanding patterns and really doing something with fabric has always been hit or miss for me. So here is my hopeful wish to learn a little more.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation DVD – A family tradition in my household is watching this movie on Thanksgiving (the official holiday where we admit that we are listening to Christmas music already). I still laugh when Clark drives under the semitruck, when the Christmas lights just don’t cooperate, the turkey is overcooked and the inlaws are in town. Nothing makes me laugh harder when Julia Louis-Dryfus is not only mauled by a mischevious and crazy squirrel but by a crazed hound. Get it, watch it, love it.

Sarah McLachlan, Wintersong – A surprise gift, but a hit. I don’t often get CDs and forgot that this must have been on my list at one point, but I love Sarah. Plus there’s a great cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River” on here that is a must. What a wonderful song. Although when is Sarah coming out with some more original, I ask you?

Tony Bennett, Duets: An American Classic – Another surprise, but already a favorite of my mom. I love the songs, especially the duet with Michael Buble. Tony is awesome and who wouldn’t want a CD. Good times!