Today is my twenty-third birthday.

At exactly ten A.M. there came a knocking at my door. Since my plan was to spend as much time sleeping as I could today I was grumpy as hell as I scrambled into my robe.

"Probably the damn neighbors complaining that I'm sleeping too loud" I thought to myself, as my neighbors are incredible douches with ears like bats.

I opened my door to find my boyfriend standing there in a suit and tie with grocery bags.

"There's the birthday girl" he said and kissed me.

I was so surprised I could barely speak.

"I'm here to make you breakfast" he said setting the bags in the kitchen. "Do you want your present now?"

I nodded, then said; "Why are you wearing a suit at 10 AM?"

He smiled, "Because you like it, and you have to find your present."

I raised my eyebrows and began searching through the pockets. I could see which one it was in, but I deliberately stuck my hand in every other one first. It was inside one of the inside, left breastpockets. I slid my hand inside the satiny lining of the pocket and drew out a small smooth box. It was flat and perfectly square. I looked at it for a minute smiling. He smiled back at me. I started grinning. I opened it, then let it slam shut with a squeal. Then I opened it back up again. Two sparkling diamond studs winked back at me. I threw my arms around his neck, then sat down to unscrew them and get them in my ears as quickly as possible.

D has never given a girl jewelry EVER. Not even a friendship bracelet. That's how serious he is about jewelry. 1/3 carat diamond studs seem pretty serious to me. I just about die every time I look in the mirror.

Which I had a lot of time to do, because after he made me breakfast (a ham and cheese omelet with steamed asparagus and tomatoes beautifully arranged on top sprinkled with feta) he took me shopping. D hates the mall. We shopped, without a complaint for two hours, while I spent my birthday money he was not only cooperative, but incredibly sweet. We had a great time.

I'm sad he has to work tonight, but it isn't his fault. His boss is a vindictive prick who's been mad for a while that he gave D father's day off. When he asked for my birthday off he as much told that he couldn't have it off because D wouldn't cover for him on father's day. I'm not mad in the slightest. BQ and I are going out.

I didn't know that D could be so romantic. I honestly just didn't know that it was in him. Apparently it is, and I underestimated him. I won't do that again. I'm having a great birthday so far and intend to keep it that way...

It is boring to make lists of things that you get on your birthday, but I feel like mentioning how nice people have been to me this year.Other items given to me for my birthday were;

Chanel lipgloss (color "Spark")-from Mama
a tiny blue battery run fan (I get hot a lot)- from my sister
the entire "Chronicles of Narnia" set in hardback (it's gorgeous)-from Mama
the new Coldplay CD- from Daddy (on Mama's recommendation)
a different pair of earrings -from Mama
two new tops from Express - bought with money from the grandparents
bangle bracelets from Urban Outfitters- bought with money from my auntie
MAC iridescent powder (Silver Dusk)- from myself (I always buy myself something)
white roller derby skates (and yes Steven, they are quads)- from D
and of course... the diamond earrings.- I just had to mention them again.

It's been a great day so far, thank you for the happy returns in my comments box and emails. I love you all very much. To all the Americans have a happy Fourth of July, enjoy your day off.

Kisses, from a freshly 23,
Etoile
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