{photo credit: Lovely Clusters}

My last four birthdays may have been spent away from my family but after the surprise birthday party that was thrown for me last night, I’m reminded that family can also come in the form of close friends. Since I know they both read this blog, at least occasionally, I want to express my gratitude to Amber and Cédric who planned a fabulous surprise with 20 or so lovely people. It should be said that it’s a feat in itself to have fit so many people in our 37m² apartment in the first place!

I’m extremely grateful to be able to call Amber, someone so genuinely selfless and thoughtful, my friend. She is always there for me and repeatedly goes beyond the call of friendship duty. I both respect and value her as a friend and admire her strength. As for Mr. Cheeseland, I may chide him at times for not thinking outside of the box but he proved that he was creative, resourceful, and out to make me happy. Mission accomplished!

I was also thrilled to see my dear friend Chloe who is due to give birth any day now and managed to climb the five flights of stairs (sans elevator) to be there for the surprise. I’m crossing her fingers the baby will born tomorrow, on my birthday. We all know cancers have character! 

Glazed lemon cake, cupcakes, brownies, lime tart and great friends rooting (and subsequently wailing at their defeat) for the US soccer team – a perfect pre-birthday celebration. Un très grand merci, I feel very loved.