Birthday post: gift blather and my laid-back plans, because I are 25 today!

[juushika]

see more Lolcats and funny pictures
I would post a different lolcat, because this is the same one I used last year—but I used it then, and use it now, because it's my favorite. Perhaps it's a tradition now, too? (I still don't even like cake.)

Today's my birthday! I'm 25.

My birthday is, this year, as low key as always—and I prefer it that way. Yesterday I finished rereading To Charles Fort, With Love (my reveiw), which Dee (century_eyes) gave me—and it is a perfect gift because I love it more each time I reread it, and now I can stop borrowing the library's copy over and over again in an attempt to pretend it is mine own. (Ironically, my copy is a used library copy.) I started reading one of the four books I bought at Powell's during the Portland trip, which, while not explicitly a birthday gift, fall close enough to the date to feel like one—and I am throughly enjoying this book so far. This morning I caught my dear Bart (aep) on IM, and the chance to talk to him was a gift in itself. Devon gave me the ultimate edition of The Fifth Element, because I wanted a copy of the film with special features, and were thinking of BPAL for my big birthday present, because the Halloween update is, as always, glorious*—but I'll wait to see what I get from my parents before we make an order. And tonight my parents are taking Devon and me to dinner at Nirvana, one of my favorite local restaurants. It will be a good day.

ETA: And indeed it was—if a bit tiring. We had a lovely dinner with my family, and then went to New Morning Bakery where I had a flourless chocolate and cinnamon torte (interesting and enjoyable, but not quite as dense and flavorful as my preferred Chocolate Sin). My parents gave me a modal body pillow cover, which I'm very grateful to receive, and Travel Fresh Sleep Sack, which will be something of an experiment—I tend to take a modal sheet with me when I travel because I'm a picky little sleeping princess, so this may be an easier alternative. They also gave me some spending money which will probably go to BPAL, and some blue cheese stuffed green olives, which are my current favorite food in the whole wide world. Devon's family also gave me edible indulgences, which is never a bad choice: a chocolate torte to try when I'm not full on a different chocolate torte, some bree, and three varieties of dark chocolate bars (60-90%)—two of which I know I love. The festivities are done now, and I'm full and exhausted and it's time to curl up in quiet with a book—but yes, it was a lovely day. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes!

So happy birthday to me!

* For the curious: My tentative BPAL Halloween 2010 order is...

FLOR DE MUERTO
The orange marigold, or zempasúchitl, has been one of Death's symbols since the pre-Columbian era. The yellow and orange petals are believed to represent the rays of the sun, bringing joy and light to the souls dwelling in the realm of the dead. These flowers surround Day of the Dead altars to guide the spirits to their offerings.
Marigold is one of my few favorite florals, and so rare to find in BPAL. Previous attempts to find that perfect marigold have failed, but for this one I have high hopes.

PUMPKIN LATTE
Espresso, pumpkin syrup, smoky vanilla bean, milk, raw sugar, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
I hope it's not too similar to last year's Pumpkin V, because I don't really need two whole such bottles—but I can't resist a pumpkin latte, as a drink or a scent.

POMEGRANATE V
Pomegranate, carnation, amber, cardamom, neroli, vetiver, black pepper, and opium tar.
A pomegranate/carnation blend sounds wonderful, and every other note, each one of them, is perfect on my skin. I never would have predicted this scent, but I expect it will be fantastic.

PHILOLOGUS
Ancient books, crackled parchment, faded incense, and candle wax.
Book scents are some of my favorites. I hope this will be like my beloved Lurid Library, but still have a character of its own. Either way I have to have it.

Bottles all, for flexibility in purchasing and because, well, why not? Halloween is traditionally my best update of the year: the scents are my favorite, and I tend to have good luck with sniffed bottle purchases. Lurid Library was one of those, after all—and I wouldn't want to live without it now. If I'd gone with decants I could have tried a few others, but these are my must haves.