Four days, four ways: The start of a very good year.

Thursday, October 28th–I wake up to a very long-distance call from my Aunt Sherry in California, who sings Happy Birthday in the familiar “Aunt Sherry way,” with an extra verse at the end. “We love you, we do, / we love you we do, / we love you dear Emily, / we love you we do!”  Great way to start the day.

Twelve hours later, I’m on my way to a delicious French dinner with Nico, where I receive two tickets to see the fabulous French comedian, Florence Foresti when she comes to Dijon!

Friday, October 29th–Decorate Nico’s apartment for our Halloween Party.  I’ve never put up fake spider webs before, but there is definitely something satisfying to it.

Saturday, October 30th– Lunch with all of Nicolas’ family, who are home in Burgundy for Toussaint vacation.  Surprise ending: a homemade chocolate gateau, eleven homemade birthday cards from eleven nieces and nephews, and a new sweater from “my” freres et soeurs. I. Am. Spoiled.

Sunday, October 31–I put the finishing touches on our gross-out finger food before the “American Style” Halloween Party began. The spread includes monster toes, eyeball cupcakes, witch’s hand carrot dip, potato-skin ghosts, and a deadly punch a la Nicolas.

SUCCESS!

Voila, the end of my four-day birthday celebration.  There’s something to be said for a great start to things, because I haven’t had an ordinary day since I turned 23. I think it’s going to be a very good year.