I managed to survive the week of my birthday somehow. Actually, it was a great week. I had a fantastic evening Tuesday with friends at Monica’s, a local Dallas eatery in Deep Ellum that serves up delicious margaritas and Mexican food. Friday night was dinner with my family at my brother and sister-in-law’s house. My brother got even more of the green thumb than I did from my mom (which is good since he’s in the horticulture business and runs a nursery), and their yard looks beautiful.

Saturday was a champagne party which Brian threw and made just way too much delicious food for, followed by the Main Street Arts Festival today. I was a little disappointed by the artwork on display this year, but Chris, Ian and I still enjoyed ourselves ambling around in the pleasant weather.

My sister bought me a bonsai for my birthday. I’ve been interested in doing this for a while, seeing as how it coincides with my gardening interests as well as my respect and interest for all things Zen/Chinese. I just always figured I would kill it! Well, it’s made it two days, so I guess that’s good. It’s a Chinese Elm and I’m looking forward to seeing it grow. I did some searching today on Google for “chinese elm bonsai” to get some ideas on how mine should look. Alongside my train set it also is an ode to my enjoyment in recreating the world in miniature.

Ian got me a new car stereo which is compatible with my iPod! It gets installed Tuesday and I can’t wait. I was hesitant to replace the stereo in my car as it’s only got a few years left, but a few years is still a long time. And who says I can’t take it with me when I get my next car? No more staticky FM transmission for my tunes, and I’ll have a decent interface after all these years (the stock Honda deck has no display to speak of and very limited functions) as well as much better amped up sound.

So, all in all it was a wonderful week of food, friends, family and fun (and presents!). Maybe 29 won’t be so bad after all!