Birthdays and Blessings!

It’s true—I just celebrated another birthday last week. And this one was truly unforgettable. We ate dinner at Cucina Toscana, a fabulous Italian bistro in Salt Lake. The company was just as delightful as the restaurant, as we dined with our dear friends Monica and Jody Wihongi (isn’t it a double blessing when your work colleagues are also your friends?).

After dinner, David and I went to the Grand America hotel, where David surprised me with a rose-and-chocolates bedecked suite. Now, David’s had my heart for more than 20 years, but I tell you, I had no idea he could be so romantic! The roses were gorgeous, the chocolate boxes scattered on the bed were a great touch, but when he asked me if I liked my gift, I was a little baffled. Weren’t the dinner, the suite, the roses, the chocolates, all of it—weren’t these my gift? There was MORE? I snooped around the hotel room for a minute but didn’t find anything gift-ish.

Then I checked out the bathroom, where I saw a piece of paper sitting on top of the vanity. I read the note and let out a little shriek (a happy shriek). From the other room, David said, “Oh, you must’ve found your gift.” It was a note letting me know that he’d bought me a new Apple iPad and that it would be in my hands soon. Wow! I can’t wait to play with it as I simply love great gadgets that make life more connected and work even easier.

The next morning, we were joined by our entire family for the fabulous brunch at the Grand America. The food literally fills five ballrooms and some of it just looks too pretty too eat. Don’t worry, we got over that and ate our fill! We headed home after a wonderful adventure. I feel so grateful for my life and the blessings that each new year brings. Thanks to David, my family, and my great friends for making this an unforgettable day.