The Best Birthday Present Ever

Today is my birthday, and in all honesty, it’s the best one I’ve ever had. One month ago, I sold my first book. When my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I couldn’t really think of anything (Okay, maybe some diamond earrings, but I digress…). Becoming a published author was always my life-long dream, and to finally have that in my hands is just amazing. Can you see me still smiling?

Seeing as it’s my birthday and a time for presents, I’m going to host a virtual birthday party. For cake, we’re having Death by Chocolate. In reality, my husband is baking me my cake today. It’s a Chocolate Turtle cake, topped with melted caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans. Mmmm….Beth gave me the recipe for this version of sin. But the cake is a little complicated. It involves whipping egg whites, using cake flour and buttermilk, and I’m wondering how successful my engineer husband will be. To him, cooking is chemistry. If you follow the directions, you’ll get it right. That’s true, assuming you have good instructions. We’ll see what kind of cake I end up with!

Then we’re taking the kids out to a Hibachi grill dinner at Japan Samurai (my choice). I love watching the chefs toss eggs and make flaming onion volcanoes. My husband just hopes the children don’t catch on fire (I second that thought!).

What’s the best birthday present you’ve ever received in your life?