One of my old students celebrated her 15th birthday this past weekend. I was her third grade teacher 7 years ago and at the party, one of her friends thought we were classmates. Which wouldn’t be that weird since she’s taller than me and I have magic Asian genes. Well, except for the fact that she can’t stop calling me “Ms. G”.
Me: What do you want on your birthday cake?
Friend: How about some chorizo?
Me: Hmmm, ok!
It took me almost 5 hours, tons of fondant and 3 boxes of cake mix to make this masterpiece. But when a friend has to wait 5 months to have her 30th birthday, it’s all worth it.
Birthday Cake #4: Yummy (and free!) birthday flan at El Torito this afternoon with the Foxy Pompoms before we went to catch Bridesmaids. The movie was typical Apatow fare: hilarious, a little gross, heartfelt, full of surprises and somehow realistic all at the same time. Kirsten Wiig was amaze-balls (as usual) though the rest of the cast was comprised of the best scene stealers in the game.
Oh yeah, and my birthday wish came true! I’m officially going to teach at KIPP Empower next year!
Birthday Cake #3: Chocolate Mocha cake from Red Ribbon Bakery. This used to be my favorite cake when we lived in the Philippines so my mom got this as my extra cake for Birthday Party #1. Yes, I am clearly spoiled blessed, particularly on my birthday.
Zara (my 4 year old niece): Auntie Em, you and my brother have the same birthday?
Me: Yeah, Zara. We were both born on May 11th.
Zara: So, you’re going to be 14 too?
Everyone within earshot of our conversation laughed and I just rolled my eyes and hugged her for being so sweet and innocent. I remember being 14 and it wasn’t pretty. My birthday wishes this year won’t be about going backwards, I’m looking to move forward this year, but of course, if I say it out loud, it won’t come true. Here’s to moving onwards and upwards!
Birthday Cake #2: My YSF mentee’s birthday is May 6 and mine is May 11, so I made these to celebrate her birthday a little late and mine a little early.
We played 2 likes and 1 wish at our YSF Wrap party today.
I like cookies. I like cupcakes. (hence the cookie monster combo cupcake) and I wish I could do another session of YSF because this experience was one of the best I’ve ever had.
Birthday Cake #1: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. All of my favorite things in one marvelously decadent delight. My mom’s friend has made me this cake every year for 18 years now. One of my favorite birthday traditions.
