Monday Morning Meeting: Birthday Weekend!
During a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts earlier last week, I learned that the stars, or the National Doughnut Association, or whatever particular higher being you believe in were clearly on my side. Not only was my birthday National Doughnut Day, but it was also going to be the day that Dunkin’ Donuts was launching the Bacon and Fried Egg Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich in Washington D.C. (If you’re stressed about my multiple spellings of the word, “doughnut” is the correct spelling – “donut” is only when produced by my favorite swanky coffee chain). Anyways, I was was obviously pumped and Courtney was relieved to be off the hook for birthday breakfast.
And because I know you want a closer look…
Yes, it was delicious. And it actually didn’t make me feel like that much of a fatty (what does that say about me?!)
On to work, where Jana had snuck in early to decorate my desk. Yes, my best friend is amazing.
I knew Courtney had made a reservation for birthday dinner, but I didn’t know where. This made me a bit nervous because let’s be honest: I’m picky and he doesn’t have the best track record of picking restaurants. Luckily I was very pleasantly surprised!
I have been dying to try Elizabeth’s since I enjoyed a lunch she catered at a briefing (briefly mentioned here), but since she only serves dinner once a week and it’s rather pricey, I hadn’t made it there just yet. Ironically, Courtney had not read about Elizabeth’s in that post, or been listening the approximately 17,051 times I mentioned wanting to go… he just happened to stumble upon it doing some research. In fact, he didn’t even realize they were only open on Fridays. Stars aligning, I tell you.
The meal was fabulous. I won’t describe each course, because the menu above does a pretty good job of that, but I have to reiterate how impressed I am by what can be done with entirely plant-based foods – and in this case with noting heated about 115 degrees F.
After dinner, we came home to a houseful of amazing friends gathered to help me celebrate the night (thank you team Janourtney!) I somehow managed to not take a single picture the entire night, which I’m kind of bummed about since I was rockin’ a hot new red dress. But I’m taking it as a sign I was just having a really good time. I did manage to snap these pictures of our very vibrantly decorated wall…
Although I’m sure we both would have been just fine taking it easy on Saturday, that was not in the cards. It was time to suit up and head to the Washington Humane Society’s 26th annual Bark Ball. Courtney and I have been five times now, including the night we got engaged, so it’s a pretty special event for us! This year, Jim suited up too, and other than pooping in the dining hall before they’d even opened it for guests, he was a pretty good boy.
More delicious vegan food… an awesome ravioli with veggies and pesto for dinner, and a banana chocolate chip bread pudding with fresh berries and chocolate sorbet for dessert!
Sunday the family voted to forgo an especially violent Game of Thrones episode for cake and presents (there was apparently legitimate concern that said episode would ruin the festive spirit of the weekend!)
Mom made a lovely dinner and we dined al fresco. She also made this ridiculous vegan chocolate cake with peanut butter ganache (aka crack). Oh, and I’m no longer coveting the beautiful boots I mentioned here.
Thank you to everyone who made my birthday weekend so special!!!
Workout Recap:
Monday: Boot camp
Tuesday: Spin
Wednesday: Chisel
Thursday: Spin
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Spin
Sunday: Boot camp
Goals for Next Week:
Monday: Boot camp
Tuesday: Spin
Wednesday: Boot camp
Thursday: Spin
Friday: Chisel
Saturday: 5k run
Sunday: Spin
