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I took Friday off cause 1)we should honestly get our birthdays off 2) Benton had "spring holiday" aka Good Friday/Easter Monday off 3) self care. So had a nice lie in, then we as a family headed to the zoo. We are members which means we just walk in versus the long line and got to see the dino exhibits that were spread all over. WE had a nice time. It was a glorious day for being outside. 80s and a nice wind, partially cloudy. We had a loverly time and then had lunch out on the patio at our fave hole in the wall Mexican place (el sur). Then it was home to hang out and I played Stardew Valley for quite a while. I honestly don't remember what else I did but finish Book 15 which was All Systems Red. I then started Crochet and Cauldrons by Nancy Warren.

Saturday was my actual birthday, a full moon and just a heck of a lot of fun. I slept in, had coffee in bed, a ritual shower (washed hair, shaved, exfoliated etc) and then Benton and I ran errands. We picked up stuff for my mom for Easter, I ordered my birthday present from Mom (I got rollerskates Fame Suregrips in black with lLED wheels) at the rollerrink. We also had to get Benton new shoes and he's unfortunately in the largest kid size and the smallest adult size which means its slim pickings. He chose a pair of addidas laceups with sparkly stripes.
They are probably intended to be girl shoes but honestly I'm all about him expressing himself for what he likes. His other option were bright pink sketchers which were ladies size 8. We figure he can get those next since he is growing pretty quickly. I did order him new skates (amazon, along with my skate bag, pom poms etc) which also light up. We had a good time shopping and I bougth myself a pair of croc sandals. I know so weird but look how cute they are! Crocs Tulum It was fun. Then it was home to get ready for my dinner/carousing out with the girls.

Got dolled up in my black with white stars Karina dress and put my hair up. I wore all the sparklies. From my Herkimer diamond earrings, Swarovski crystal dangle earrings, White topaz necklace, mom's wedding set and bright silver bracelets. I think I looked really cute. I wore my new sandals. They were super comfy and cute.

We had dinner at Sushi Garden. Candance (Asa), Wander, Willa, Erika, Sam, Ari, Bridget, Jackie all came out. It was really good food and fun. Then everyone sans Wander and Bridget headed to the Hard Luck Club (basement of Reilly's which used to be a mortuary) for drinks. They have really nice cocktails. Then we headed to 1055 for snacks and brews. At that point folks were tired but Ari and I headed to Cobra to play pinball and then to Ermanos for one final drink before last call before catching a Lyft home.

One thing I was surprised was I got gifts? Mel got me a Goldings Spindle...its gorgeous. I would never have bought it...its way to extravagant. I will be very careful spinning on it.

Ari got me an Evil-Lyn Funko/tshirt, a beautiful raven tile and legos. Jacki and Sam both got me journals (I'm always in need), Candace got me an LED makeup mirror for camping. I also got a gift cert from

danabren and Cyborg for Hundred Ravens Yarn shop. I'm super blessed with awesome friends.

Sunday I slept in a bit and had birthday cake for breakfast. Mel had made Oatmeal Cake . It is like coffeecake and nummy. We then headed to visit my mom (Benton and I) and then we went Rollerskating. Mom was doing okay. She had had a visual egg hunt the day before and gave all of the candy filled eggs to Benton. She loved the fake flowers and chocolates we brought her. They had rearranged her room since the AC vent blew on her bed and she got too cold. Eyeroll. But she doesn't really have much body fat so I get it...its just funny to me. Skating was good. I am out of shape for cardio activities...sighs. But I skated more than I sat down for the 2 hours we were there. I can't wait to get my own skates. I was by the end doing good with my cross overs on turns. It did take a while for my legs to warm up. Sighs. But all good. We got home and played some more star dew valley. Mel was working in the shop and Benton and I were doing some of the weirder quests. I've been having to read the wikis for some help. But this is okay.

This week is busy with work and finance stuff. One other bright spot is I got my promotion. April 30 I will be a principal engineer. It came with more bonus and with a further increase in pay versus the one I got at the beginning of the month. I have no idea why they decided to separate things between merit and promotion cycles? Maybe we get more pay that way? I dunno but I'm happy. Finally making some progress on the career front. This makes me feel better, even if I only just beat inflation on the raises.

I finished up Crochet and Cauldrons last night so I'm number 17 for the year in books. I've now started Dead Things by Stephen Blackmoore. So yay!