The Big Quintessence Birthday

" ..the big quintessence of all time. Full and so rich."

-from Walter Mitty

I often remind Jeff of the best birthday ever celebrated. It was back before we were engaged and Jeff planned this big to-do for me. He started the day with a bouquet of flowers hand-selected by himself and wrapped together in a beautiful assortment by a local florist. Thoughtful? Yes. I'm a picky flower lover- some things I just don't like to see in a bouquet, and he made sure that only the good stuff was in there. Furthermore, he planned a family and friend dinner at India Palace, told me to dress up (this is also really thoughtful.....dress up is my thing) and then surprised me with private salsa dancing lessons! Everyone was waiting for us back at my town home and we celebrated with a funfetti cake Jeff baked himself (that is also a big deal! I have never known Jeff to bake since). My family gave me a beautiful cruising bike with white wall tires and a wicker basket, and we all hung out together savoring the end of the day. This was one awesome birthday. The most awesome birthday, until now.

This year, the 27th one, was the big quintessence birthday. The full and rich one.

It went down like this:

After opening all my presents first thing, we moved on to rescuing little snapping turtle hatchlings. Sawyer was suited up to defend the little ones from foxes and such. Naturally.

Somehow we transitioned from turtles to apple picking. I love going to pick apples on my birthday and after apples I get my birthday doughnut. Birthday doughnut = my birthday cake.

Next we completely switched gears. We left country and animals behind, including our little animals, and Jeff took me down to Columbus on an overnight getaway. It was so unexpected and such a big surprise and so appreciated. Great things happened, like uninterrupted conversation, for one, and jumpsuit wearing, for another.

Our hotel was really nice, and we can thank Taylor Swift's world tour and the Buckeyes playing at home for that. Since all of the regular places were full, we upgraded ourselves to such things as lavender pillow spray and courtyard gardens and actual tea cups for my hot chocolate. We went to a four course dinner, where I could order anything I wanted without any side looks or raised eyebrows, just a whole lot of, "Sure, Rach. That sounds great." 

The next morning we went to the Columbus temple together and then to La Chatelaine for straight up french baguette and patisserie for lunch. After french onion soup and brie sandwiches and chocolate mousse and such, we returned to our little animals for a lazy rainy day.

I always hear people say that experiences are better expenditures than things, and I nod along then order my birthday boots anyway and wait anxiously for my birthday sweaters to arrive. But after this birthday experience, and remembering the original best birthday, I realize they've been thoughtfulness and time spent with people I love; that's what made them full and so rich.

Here's to many more quintessences!