In the weeks leading up to my birthday every year, Nathan has a habit of singing and dancing to a little song he likes to call "I Know Something You Don't Know." I like to annoy him by not biting the bait. However, I get really excited on the inside knowing that he's got something up his sleeve. He's really good at gift giving, and I just struggle... really struggle.. except maybe Christmas last year.
My birthday wasn't until Sunday, but on Friday Nathan had something special planned. I had invited a college student over for lunch, and he came downstairs and told us both to get in the car before we had a chance to eat our mango ice cream. I felt really embarrassed thinking that he was kicking her out too early, but luckily he had already forewarned her. He dropped her off in town and drove me up the cobblestones and stopped just before the road to the cathedral.
"Happy birthday, sweetie," he said, and handed me a little paper folded in half. It was a gift certificate for an afternoon at a salon: a back and neck massage, a manicure, and a haircut. Wow! What a thoughtful gift! I teared up immediately, like any normal woman would.
The experience was... different, but I seriously think it was just cultural. I compared notes with Pamela afterwards, and she noticed the same things when she got a pedicure in York on Valentine's Day. Just dumb girl things... like in America you always soak your hands before filing your nails when you get a manicure. Not so at this particular salon. The manicurist started sawing on my nails with an old looking file and made shivers go down my spine. In America there are hundreds of nail polish colors to choose from. Here there were only 18, and only one light pink color. It was a little too 4 year-old princess iridescent, but oh well. There were other things too, but if I tell you I'll just sound more spoiled than I already do as I re-read this.
Anyway, after my afternoon at the salon, Nathan picked me up and then we cut his hair at home. After that, we got dressed up and went on a date! He took me to Bistro 21, and it's by far the nicest place we've been in Durham. It kind of reminds me of Canoe in Atlanta.
Pamela played photographer. She also played stylist by letting me borrow her top and some jewelry.
The restaurant was so, so nice, and the food was delicious. I ordered the halibut special (I'm SO my mom!), and Nathan got steak and potatoes... and fries. I think he's really happy that the Whole30 is over. I forgot to take pictures of our entrees. Sorry!
Dessert... I mentioned this before. :) Nathan's sticky toffee pudding was outstanding. My chocolate melting cake with mint sorbet was good too, but that sticky toffee pudding.... wow.
My love is an excellent celebrator. That's one of the many things I appreciate about him. Thanks for such a fun day, Nathan!
6 comments:
First of all, you look LOVELY! Second, if it makes you feel better it's actually better for your nails (especially if they are thin or weak) to do a dry manicure rather than soaking them :) Yes, I read nail blogs.
Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday! And you are so lovely!!! I don't know anything about manicures but the thought of a dry manicure does make me shiver.
This makes me so so happy. I'm glad you had such a special day. I love that Nathan did all that for you. Good work, Nathan! Miss you guys like crazy!
I am so proud of my sanguine son in law. He does know how to celebrate and for that I say YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!! And by the way, you look soooooo BEAUTIFUL!! I am proud that you ordered the halibut and saved the calories for the dessert. Yes you are like you mumers......
Wow - get that recipe for sticky toffee pudding!
That sounds absolutely amazing! And, you look great. I read some of your above blogs and it's true, your skin is radiant. :) Maybe I should do that whole 30 thing. I'm glad you had a fabulous 31st birthday! Happy belated birthday!!
Post a Comment