Every year, it’s the same. So … what do you want for your birthday? I don’t know, what did you get me last year? And for some reason, we can NEVER remember what either of us got each other last year.

Well, this year, I knew what I wanted. The moment I played it, it was meant to be mine. Usually, I’m real wishy-washy about gifts because if I want something, I’ll just go out and get it myself. Or it’s so ridiculously expensive that it would be downright rude to ask. But this year, my mind was made up, so this was a gold mine for Aaron. No more guessing what I might like, no more trying to surprise me and crap. I looked deep into his eyes and said:

I. WANT. ROCK BAND.

It’s the closest I’ll ever get to playing the drums. So that way, I’ll get to salute the gods of rock and drum my little heart out. So my sweet husband got me exactly what I wanted. And a little bit more.

We celebrated my birthday a day early because he had to work, and all I wanted to do was have a good, home-cooked meal. No fancy restaurant. I said, Go to Central Market, come home with some groceries and cook! Little do you know that Aaron is an Iron Chef. You put him in front of produce, and the man makes some crazy good food. So when I came home, the house was filled with the aroma of … something. I couldn’t tell what it was, partly because the moment I walked in through the front door, I was ordered to go upstairs and stay there.

So finally, I was allowed to come down, and I saw this:

Score! And then, I turn and see this:

Holy schnikes! It was grilled flank steak with cotija cheese, fried plantains, purple Peruvian potatoes with pearl onions, and sliced avocados. All made from scratch. And it was DELISH. After dinner, I was all ready to setup my new birthday present when he plops a ginormous bag on my lap. Black boots! I had been wanting these for a loooong time!

I can’t fail to mention the other gifts because, well, that would be rude.

My sister-in-law Hannah got me the most adorable blue scarf and hat. Now, it’s a summer scarf. I’ve never quite known what to do with those. Scarfs to me are ways to keep my neck warm. That’s the only time I wear them. So when light, summery scarves started getting popular, I was like, Why in the world would any wear them in the SUMMER?!?!?! And I knew for sure that I would look weird with some unnecessary bulge sticking out of my neck. And let’s not forget the terrorist scarf that I always make fun of. Regardless, I now have the cutest summer scarf … and I have no idea how to wear it. Hannah will teach me, and my wardrobe will thank her. Sorry, no picture – the scarf is in the laundry.

My other sister-in-law Emily & her husband got me a Jamba Juice gift card. I guess they must have read my blog! I think I used it the very next day.

My other sister-in-law Ruthie got me the most adorable t-shirt from Roxy. O.M.G, if I could have my entire wardrobe from Roxy, I would be a happy girl. The Brown family all wear Jedidiah, but they know that Roxy is my stuff. Again, sorry, no picture – the shirt is in the laundry.

My in-laws got me another beautiful scarf from Anthropologie (this one for winter) along with a gift card. I wore the scarf the next day, and I got sooo many compliments! And the gift card, umm, I’ve already spent almost all of it.

So the next evening, the night of my actual birthday, I coerced Brad & Sarah to take me out to dinner. Ain’t no way I was spending my birthday evening alone! So we went to Coalvines (where I also noticed that Bailey, Banks & Biddle is closing down – up to 50% off!), and they got me a gift card to J. Crew. Aww, they must have read my blog, too! And yes, that gift card has already been used up, too.

My friend Stacy got me a Starbucks gift card, while Phil & Tiffany got me a subscription to the Food Network Magazine! I was stoked! Thank you to EVERYONE who made my 29th a great birthday!