12th p.m.

My birthday was a simple, satisfying day. My morning deposition busted, so I got back to the office early. My staff warned me not to have lunch before I got back. They gave me flowers and balloons, including a "cake" made of flowers which was delightful. We couldn't do a big out to lunch day because we are all so swamped, but we had take out in the conference room and shared a big slice of mud pie.

I came home to our dining room all decorated with streamers and balloons, courtesy of my little one. I passed my husband on the road; he was headed to the store and had changed the menu to steaks and baked potatoes since he got out early. Chris was home on time, and Jess called from college. My little one surprised me with the video of "Under the Tuscan Sun" (she is the most thoughtful child) and my son gave me a new case for my CD's. My sister, Mar, gave me the new Nora Jones CD, and my sister, Maria, gave me a brand new shiny, fire engine red, old-fashioned watering can. I can't wait to use it this spring!

We had my birthday cake in front of the fire. I relaxed and watched Oprah's "Most Romantic Men"

Life is sweet and I am surrounded by love.