Birthday Girl

We received a nice package in the mail last night from my parents. It was mainly for my fiance Gretchen (but there were a few surprises for me in there too). Her birthday was on Feb. 17, which is typically a great thing. I have always disliked February because the weather is brutally cold and you feel so far removed from Christmas that the cold weather loses its pleasantry. But Gretchen's birthday gives me a reason to enjoy the month a bit more.

This year it fell during crunch time for the bar exam, so we didn't get to celebrate other than a little sushi dinner for two here on Roosevelt Island. Add to it that Valentine's Day was that week and you can really appreciate how patient and supportive she was during my bar prep. It is really important to have an angel in your corner when you go through that process and I will always be thankful for her guidance. To lift a line from the president, she is the "rock" of the Torres apartment.

I was happy to get the presents from my parents because it gave us a second chance to celebrate. I still plan on taking Gretchen to a Broadway show (something we have discussed for some time). It was nice getting a package because my parents have lived in Switzerland for the last five years and just moved back to Cincinnati this month. The distance made it impossible to send care packages, so last night was a nice little reminder of the perks on having them back in the country.

We were watching American Idol last night. Tis' the season. I cannot stop thinking about the emotional crackpot that is "Tatiana." Her antics are well documented. I just can't understand how she can break down like a second rate soap opera star every time her name is mentioned. Last night she was chosen to compete for a wild card spot and she was bawling within seconds like she had been given a lifelong achievement award.

She is the kind of girl that would cry on her birthday.