It's my 26th birthday!

I turned 26! First thing this morning I had a health screening that revealed that I have a borderline high cholesterol. And this is despite me being vegetarian, exercising nearly every day, and taking fish oil supplements daily. Apparently, it's genetic.

But I wasn't bummed for long since I found a nice card from my coworkers, as well as a Starbucks gift card from M (thank you, M!), so B and I went and got us some yummy oatmeal and iced coffee for breakfast.

Then B treated me to lunch (thank you, B!). M drove us to a nearby restaurant and we had some delicious food. Here are my awesome coworkers and friends, M and B:
Thank you, girls! That was so sweet.

Like every year, my cool mother-in-law left a happy-birthday-singing voice mail and sent cookies which I shared with my coworkers.
And here is the funny card from my coworkers. Unfortunately, you can't read the funny part because of the glare, but it says: "Man, these people stink!" followed by "why dogs stick their heads out of the car." Cute! And I was always wondering.And then my mom got me pretty, pretty flowers. One year she also got me a plant that I still have in my cubicle. (thank you , mom!) After work, I got to spend some time with my goofy hubby. He insists on making faces.
And I got lots of love from my affectionate puppy. Normally, he is not allowed on the couch, but he was so excited to see me, he took the risk and jumped up to give me a sloppy kiss despite of what the consequences may be. Then he snuggled up to me (note his paw on the laptop). This was his way of wishing me a happy birthday, and it was so sweet. (And no, he didn't get punished for jumping on the furniture.)Then hubby and I went out to dinner with my sisters. We hit the mall beforehand. The restaurant was French and expensive, and it took forever to get our food. My husband covered the atrociously high bill. (thank you, babe!) I also got presents from my sweet sisters. They know me so well. I got a Sephora gift card which they presented me with when we were at the mall. I got myself my favorite Ojon hair product (I am hooked). Then they got me my favorite loose leaf tea from Teavana, Queen of Babylon. Yummy! And of course, Godiva chocolates. I frikkin love chocolate. The card had a banana on it, which is perfect since I am a big fan of bananas (they used to call me monkey). What a nice birthday! If only I wasn't getting older.

Walks and candy and crafts

My sisters came over and brought tons of yummy Bosnian candy that we grew up on. Since it was nice-ish outside, we decided to take a walk around the lake.
There they are, hovering in the air...
...in front of the "forest"...
And smelling pretty tree blossoms.We also laughed at the adolescent geese. They looked cute and awkward.

Then we walked back home and knitted while watching Scrubs. It was a very pleasant evening.

Meeting an author: David Ebershoff

I am the leader this month for one of my book clubs (I belong to several), so I chose for us to read "The 19th Wife" by David Ebershoff (a very smart and talented writer). It just so coincided that he was speaking at the Central library this week, so some of the girls and I decided to meet for dinner at Centro and then go see him speak.David was amazing! He talked about his book and was incredibly engaging. Afterwards, I decided I'd have him sign two of his books I own. Since I am horribly socially awkward, I was a bit afraid of going up to him. But he was so nice and gracious to everybody in the line, I courageously waited for my turn.
The first question he asked me is whether I was a writer (apparently, I look like one). I told him I wasn't. Then he commented on my name and asked where it was from. I told him it was Bosnian, so he recommended a couple of immigrant authors that I might enjoy. He also told me I should become a writer. (It's decided... I am dropping everything and becoming one).
We talked some more about stuff - he seriously spent 5-10 minutes with me. But I was so intimidated and star-struck, I really don't remember much of our exchange.
What really impressed me was not only his writing, but how frikkin nice this guy was. I've never met anyone who had me at "hello" like this. I would have bought poison from this guy. It really says much about genuine kindness.
D, who was taking pictures, told him that I choose his book for our book club, so he turns to me and thanks me in a way you'd think I saved his puppy from drowning.
He even posed with me for a photo. And I know I look TERRIBLE (the worst ever) in that picture, but I always look terrible so I don't care. I looked down but looked up quickly for a second when D made the shot. Hence I look like a disturbed, demented freak.
So yeah, I'd definitely recommend reading his book "The 19th Wife". It's just brilliant. I also can't wait to get started on "The Danish Girl". A movie based on that book is in production right now, featuring some major A-listers.
Here is what the books look like.
Here is one of his notes to me. I'll give you money if you can decipher that first part of his inscription. I believe it says "With tons of good wishes for your writing. One day I will read your name". I really don't know why he pegged me as a writer. I barely speak English.
And here is the second book's signing. "With many good wishes on a fine night in Des Moines". He even dated it.

Some girls go crazy for actors and musicians, I go nuts for historical fiction writers. :)