My 33rd Birthday.

My birthday was April 8. I turned 33 years old!

I don't really celebrate my birthday. Partly, I don't like the attention. But mostly, I feel guilty if I receive something, because in the past people have had different expectations in return. (If you ever get a gift or even a note from me, it is unconditional. Or at least it should be. :)

So this year I didn't say anything about my birthday (except Facebook does), but I figured I should tell my roommate, Peter. I told him, and he generously took me out for dinner at Fu Man Dumpling House. Peter, thank you! The dumplings were very tasty, although I think they use a lot of MSG.

I started seeing a counselor in the fall, for "family matters." (I would say more, but I'm guessing the "family" doesn't like sharing publicly about stuff like this.) Anyway, my counselor said I should treat myself on my birthday. What's a treat for me? A new car? A PS3? Disneyland?

From Birthday meal

I decided that a special treat for me would be to buy the most expensive salad at Panera Bread. Perhaps you would have to know my family growing up, especially my dad, to appreciate this. Anyway, it was one of their "Signature Salads" (oohhh), and it had salmon in it (more oohhs). I also added a cheese pastry, since it was on sale.

In the picture you can also see my iPad. (I was reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. Reading books on the iPad is revolutionary, by the way.) To the left is my pill bottle--but don't worry, it's just multivitamins.

What's funny to me is how my $500 iPad was not a treat (it's for "work"--really!), but my $10 meal was. Sometimes the best things in life don't make any sense. :)

From Library sale

I also went recently to the Seattle Public Library's spring book sale. It's big. And cheap; most books are $1. My dad would have loved it. I tried to restrain myself from buying books just because I knew they were a good deal; I already have more stuff than I need. (Who wants my Nintendo Wii? It's fun but I never use it anymore.) I bought 4-5 books for myself, but they might also become gifts. The one that I am most excited about reading is "Christianity for Dummies." (Yes, a real Dummies book!)

Since it was my birthday, I should give a clear update: I'm still single, no kids, no paid job, no clear career, and I still don't call myself a Christian but I like reading about Jesus. Do I feel old? Sometimes, like when I compare myself to others. But actually, I think this is the happiest I've ever been, and my life has been very blessed overall. I know, I know, we'll see what happens when my bank account runs out. But, I am really glad I chose this path. So please be merciful.