April is my birthday month! I take my birthday off from work, as a treat to myself in all my post-residency years. It was a pretty mellow day- no big plans, just no work! I got a beautiful bouquet from a friends, dinner and flowers from SMS, and a cheese knife set from my parents along with a few cards. It was very nice!
The night prior, my book club friends took me out for wine and dinner at Clark’s. We went on half-price Wednesday, which is a nice deal although it still adds up since the wine list is not cheap. Whah. There were a few gifts (so nice!) and Beth also gave everyone super cute Easter mini-bags. The cult of Necessaire lip balm has grown.
I had forgotten I had taken off the 3rd as well (surprise!), so I went to Beth’s house to give her an Easter basket and had a mini-couch session with her enormous dog. Hank is very cute, but he’s like a three-year-old climbing on someone who doesn’t realize that it hurts when you get randomly stepped on when he adjusts to get comfy on the couch. It’s ok though! I am tough!
That night, we went to Drunken Monk, which is really so delicious. I’ve stopped looking at the prices, so it makes the bougie izakaya experience better rather than me shaking my fist saying, “Izakaya food should be inexpensive!”
For my birthday weekend (really stretching this one out!), we went to Healdsburg as the second weekend I bought through a bed & breakfast’s Black Friday/Thanksgiving sale. We did one wine tasting a day: the Michel Foch champagne tasting at Baca/Walt (this one was my birthday gift to me!) and Medlock Ames.
For my birthday dinner, we went to Bistro Lagniappe, which was absolutely delicious. We had a delicious cold soup and split the beef bourguignon. So delicious.
We also ate lunch at Little Saint. I’m in love with the décor. Most of the food (vegan) is tasty, with an occasional meh dish but never a total miss.
SMS continued his cooking streak with a pizza night and scallop tacos. Delicious.
On April 13, I saw Bruce Springsteen, which was an amazing show. He may not slide around the stage on his knees, but he’s still very talented and the E Street band was terrific. It was a very political show, which I loved. I also snuck down to an excellent seat. Last time I saw Bruce Springsteen was across the field at a football stadium show so to be this close in an arena was awesome!
I discovered The Crown Affair air dry-friendly hair products line and had a good hair day. So I photo-documented.
We live near the US’ most expensive gas station. No one is ever there actually buying gas. We think it’s a front.
My friends are the coolest parents. Check out the upper left stroller handle.
I went to a work conference in Phoenix. It was a quick trip without any extra fun time, but that was ok. It was nice to get home for the weekend. I saw my old residency mate and one of the residents I worked with in San Diego who’s now graduating as a chief resident!
Since I was home, SMS and I headed up to San Mateo for a delicious dinner at New Thai Elephant.
That weekend, we went hiking with new friends and grabbed lunch and a drink at Alice’s Restaurant.
And this very social month ended with a trip to the Dutch Goose to watch the Minnesota Wild make it to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, which my friends were very happy about. I don’t think they made it past the next round, but at least they didn’t become the losing-est first round team in any professional sports league. So, that was good for them!