Happy Birthday (To Me!)

 

Everyone should take a day off for their birthday, right?  So I think I will do the same.  I wish I could tell you that I had reservations at "Next," Grant Achatz's new Chicago restaurant tonight, but alas, not the case.  I think I am one of about 20,000 people on the waiting list.

I know my mom is probably reading this very early in the morning and thinking about me.  I hope mom remembers all the special birthday parties she had for me growing up.  I have said this many times before, but my mom is the original Martha Stewart, so you can only imagine that my birthdays were picture perfect with imaginative food and decorations. I was the first girl in many generations on my father's side, so my birthdays were apparently a reason to celebrate.  My mom says that when I was born, everyone cried, including the doctor who delivered all my brothers.  I must say, it's rather fun being the only girl.  Thanks, mom, for all the birthdays.