Birthday Bonanza

Birthday quarter is coming to a close – it’s official... I’m 29. My weekend was amazing and I’ve fallen in love with Southern California. Saturday morning we hit the road early at
7am, and after stopping for Noah's Bagels, we were in Laguna by 9 – despite some overcast it was gorgeous! Turns out my birthday surprise was a day at the Ritz!! Thank you, thank you......!! Starting with yoga in a gazebo overlooking the ocean, followed by pedicures in a world-class spa - it was heaven. We hit the beach where I was surprised with Sprinkles cupcakes (from Rodeo Drive – I can now say they’re worth the never-ending line) and wine… yum! We enjoyed the pool and amenities until heading back to LA late afternoon (I’ve never been so excited by so much car time, LOVING the new ride) – thankfully the sun had come out in full effect by about 2pm.

Back in the city we got a small group of people out at the Sunset Marquis in Hollywood for

drinks – it’s a gorgeous hotel on Sunset Boulevard with a back outdoor patio bar (where we started) and a trendy hot bar in the front (where we ended – and saw Orlando Bloom, Kings of Leon & a few other celebs) – the venue was recommended by a local friend and was just what we’d hoped for… after a few too many indulgences I can’t say I felt great Sunday but we fought it with a hike at Runyon followed by the Dodgers game (we lost to the Cubs but we’re still in first… THINK BLUE!!).

Thanks for all the birthday wishes -- love and miss you all!

k

Birthday Eve EVE

This won’t be the first birthday I’ve spent in California – I had my 26^th in San Francisco while I was there with PwC – I’d just moved out a few weeks earlier so in similar fashion the celebrations started in June & July. In my 29 years I’ve spent my birthday in three other places - Muskoka, camp, and Toronto once I entered the corporate world when my birthday fell during the week (although I almost always took the day off). This year’s festivities start gearing up tomorrow on Birthday Eve Day – with a massage and facial at The Palazzo Spa which was part of my welcome package) – and then Saturday morning I’ve been told by my best friend we have to be in Laguna Beach by 9am – with yoga & running clothes – and we’ll be back in LA in time for dinner / drinks in Hollywood – uh, OK!!!

As much as I'll miss friends & family, you've all done MORE THAN enough to make up for the distance (thank you to my former esteemed colleagues who gave me my first birthday cake this year in MAY!!!) - and of course, any day I'm here in my happy place is a day I'm all smiles...  :)  Life is good.

I have to say, Birthday-fever is spreading the continent. So thank you everyone for your well wishes – 29’s looking good so far!!

k

My life weighs 3,600 lbs

Ok – in fairness, it’s probably more like 5,000…. I have a few things stored in Toronto and with all of my trips back and fourth over the last three months (and the help of friends) – my moving truck doesn’t have my entire life – just the majority.

Imagine my surprise to find out my stuff was arriving today – 24 hours after passing my driver’s test, getting my new ride (more pictures of her to come next week – one word – LOVE) – and all in birthday week no less!  I’m really going to be calling LA home.  I’ve been loving it so far, but never underestimate the power of a kitchen table.

I moved to LA June 2^nd, I haven’t had a couch, kitchen table, desk or many other comforts of home since...  after three years of making my 10 Delisle condo perfect, I left it all behind.  I’ve slept on a mattress right on the floor (which oddly I got used to) – and survived with a few dishes and patio furniture from Target.  I have a fair bit of my clothes, but being an admitted shopaholic – there’s a lot more to come.  The weirdest revelation of my minimalist existence has been that I’ve gotten really used to it – and I almost like it… it’s simple.  It’s going to be weird to unpack all of my stuff – a lot of it clutter, and reflective of my old life – my old ways of constant busy-ness, nonstop work/ activities/ life – often forgetting to breathe!  I’ve been reminded that the most important things in life aren’t things - they’re people, experiences and places – I’m not going to pretend I’m not THRILLED about my new car, and the opportunity to sit on my couch – but I like that I know I don’t need it.

Couch or no couch, I’m home.  

k

My New Baby

As much as I LOVE the babies of my friends & family – proud parents and PAPA, you know who you are – when I refer to my baby I’m usually talking about my website – or in this case it’s an exciting purchase, like my new car. The 3-month process to get it has really felt like a birth of some sort…

In an attempt to go green, I first had my heart set on the Lexus RX hybrid (no, not for dropping kids off at the Granite) – but sadly that was a no go, so next - in an attempt to be thrifty I fell for the new VW Tiguan. It drives well & I loved the massive pana sunroof. Sadly being self-employed was a roadblock there as well… so as per usual as a new resident without any US credit history, I had to try and try again – thankfully BMW came through (and thankfully I had the dealerships working for me in tandem) and has let me lease a X3 for the duration of my visa (3 years!). The only catch being I have to get my California license before I can pick up my car. It’s ironic because the insurance companies give you a 6-month grace period to get your local license, but BMW couldn’t flex on this at all - even after a lot of begging & pleading.

I never expected at 28 (OK, a week shy of 29) to be taking an eye, written & road driver’s test– after countless hours on the phone, internet and at the DMV office itself - I can really say I’ve felt the effects of California’s budget crisis firsthand. Each call takes an average of 30 minutes on hold (thank goodness for hands-free!) – each line was at least 30 minute’s wait & you have at least 3 per visit (never mind the 35 question test took less than 10 minutes) – and the testing offices are now closed Friday & Saturdays as the State can’t afford to pay the staff.

I shouldn't complain, reading a driver’s manual is probably never a bad idea (it’s good to know California made texting & emailing while driving illegal earlier this year – and of course, heavily enforces hands-free) – and my new friends at Beverly Hills BMW are calling in a favor to get my road test that's scheduled for next week pushed up. So in the end it's worked out - I’ll have my new ride in time for my birthday (BIRTHDAY rides!!) – and after renting, cabbing, borrowing, walking & running my way around the most spread out city in North America – I’ll NEVER take having a car at my full disposal for granted again!!

I'm ready for my “ultimate driving machine, sheer driving pleasure and the ultimate driving experience”! Let's see what these Germans can do...

I can't wait to meet her!!

k

BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!

Most people know I’m REALLY into birthdays – OK, obsessed is probably more accurate. They are actually my favorite thing in life. Whether it’s a close friend/ family member/ colleague, or my own – there’s nothing I love more than to get really into the whole celebration. As I’m maturing I definitely prefer other people’s special day to mine – I love making a really big deal out of it and making people feel incredibly special. After all, it’s the one day a year that’s all about YOU. In fairness, I don’t celebrate my birthday solely on August 22^nd.

Growing up spending summers in Muskoka and having a late summer birthday meant we’d celebrate in July with my Dad, at the cottage in

August, and again in September with my Toronto friends. At age 8, I started spending my special day at camp – this was a really big deal – I was changing camps and the only 2-week session offered was during the last two weeks of August, meaning I’d be away from home on my biggest day of the year. It turned out to be fantastic because I’d now celebrate at the cottage before leaving, at camp (skipping around the dining hall and wearing a “Birthday Hat” all day) and then again several times after returning home. So for as long as I can remember, my birthday festivities have started in July and lasted well into the fall. I usually start counting down one month before from July 22nd… but once it’s August 1^st it’s officially Birthday Month. Followed of course by Birthday Week, Birthday Eve, my actual BIRTHDAY – and any celebrations trailing which are essentially Birthday Boxing Day.

I start every day reading my horoscope in what used to be The Globe, and now online – being a Leo/Virgo cusp I read both and pick whichever is better. I have strong characteristics of both signs, but I’d say overall I’m a Leo true and true (I have the Tiffany’s astrological pendant to prove it). I love when retailers ask for your birthday – this happened to me at Michael Stars in The Grove a few weeks ago, and imagine my delight when I received a card in the mail last week with a big “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” and saying I’m entitled to 15% off any purchase for all of August. Birthday month is officially here - my Muskoka birthday flowers from last weekend are below to prove it - from my mom who says every day's my birthday - uh OK!!

In case I ever miss your special day...

HAPPY BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE!!!!

k