Sunday morning: ocean swim, very cold water, sun-kissed skin, the lingering smell of saltwater even after a shower, chocolate and coffee swirl toast and a cup of coffee for breakfast.

Sunday afternoon: Muesli and apricot for lunch, baking as the cricket is on, the smell of baking cake wafting through the rooms, a blueberry coffee cake and a cup of coffee for afternoon tea.

Sunday evening: Watching episodes of Summerland, roasting a chicken, the perfect roast chook and vegetables for dinner, m&ms for dessert.

My Sunday was delicious. What about yours?

I am beginning to think that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all
Laura Ingalls Wilder

Last night, Jon and i went to Martin Place to see the big Christmas tree being lit up for the first time this festive season. The whole place was packed with people, mostly parents with young kids. We found ourselves a good spot and waited until the countdown began: “six, five, four three, two, one” and then…two seconds of nothing followed by cheers as the tree was lit. Soon after, there were fireworks which i absolutely love because it’s loud and pretty and makes (almost) everyone happy. Jon and i thought it was only right that we shared a kiss amidst all this happiness. I am loving my collection of happy “Jon and Gen” memories. Especially when there’s a Christmas tree, carols, gingerbread latte from Starbucks, police officers dressed in santa hats and SANTA himself involved.

I was watching Oprah, where a woman whose boyfriend had shot her in the face, appeared to describe her trauma. She had lost an eye, her nose and mouth. It was hard not to gasp. Her boyfriend had been abusing her for eight years. He took offense with her talking to other men; he asked her to wear baggy clothing so she wouldn’t show off her figure; he hit her; he yelled; he pulled out his gun on a previous occasion. But throughout all of this, she still loved him.

While i was watching this, and it was hard to even watch, i had to let Jon know that i appreciated him for everything he didn’t do- no drinks, no drugs, no smoking, no abuse- Jon is just so kind that i often take it for granted. But today, i was reminded that there are men out there who make earth a living hell for women; there are men who don’t respect women and belittle them constantly.

After years of being told that i was too dumb, too fat, too troublesome, i am now being told, by someone who has only known me for a year, that i am beautiful, creative, intelligent. I am princess. It just makes me stop and think and give thanks.

I had a fantastic birthday. Jon made us yummy coffee early in the morning. I sent him to work, bought the Herald (the only reason i buy the papers on Tuesday is for the Good Living pull-out, where all things food-related are discussed)and went to Zoe’s for breakfast where i had some organic sourdough toast with butter and jam and a skim cap as usual. As i sipped the coffee, i couldn’t help but think that Jon’s was so much nicer. And i usually love the coffee from Zoe’s! Oh, thank God i’m with a man who makes good coffee, even if it was a hiterto undiscovered gift. Lunch was spent at Centennial Park with Sarah and Lisa who made us fritatta. We had some pink sparkly together with our meal before heading to Max Brenners at Double Bay for some babka and Venezuelan dark chocolate. It was lovely!
As the sun set, Jon grilled me some steak (beautifully done just the way i like it) and we had some white wine. AND then, we watched The OC, where i tried to get him in the loop about what has been happening since he has never watched the show before. Midway through The OC, we had some of Lisa’s leftover animal cupcakes (the ladybug) and some chocolate macadamia coffee for dessert. So much good food throughout the entire day.
And then, we danced. It was magical. Our first dance. I will never ever forget it. I am completley in love with this boy.

It was a great day, filled with love, food, text messages and phone calls from friends and family near and afar.

Birthday weekends are indeed full of excitement. On Saturday, Jon planned me a party which was great apart from the fact that i greeted everyone, fainted and had to rest in bed for the next two hours. After a rest and a cry, i found myself well enough to join everyone for afternoon tea where we had tea, animal cupcakes (made by Lisa and which were so good, they require an entry of their own with pictures) and my birthday cake made up of two layers- orange and poppyseed and chocolate, which Jon made and then proceeded to write “LOVE YOU” with m&ms (how sweet is this boy?). I also, as requested, had 25 candles on my cake. I love that i have the bestest people around me. I received a coffee maker from everyone, which i am loving!
On Sunday, we went to Bronte beach for Lisa’s birthday bbq, where we had amazing muffins (made by Lisa- quite the baker), an assortment of yummy sausages and pink wine. It was a lovely, laid-back (after trying to find parking for close to an hour, which wasn’t very laid-back at all) day and a fun time was had by all.
And tomorrow, for my actual birthday, MORE fun things will occur. I love birthdays!

I had forgotten the good bits about bus journeys. The ‘not needing to concentrate’; the ‘looking out the window to people-watch’. On my way home from the city, i dreamt while listening to some songs from my mp3 player- Edwin McCain, Shaun MacDonald. I dreamt of weddings and love and other equally beautiful things. How lovely it was, for a whole half hour, to be able to do nothing but dream. It put me in such a different mood than that which i’ve been in the entire week. I arrived home calm and with a desire to start putting things back in order. The way they were meant to be. Upon checking the mail, i found a birthday card from my dearest aunts, my first for this coming birthday. I wanted to cry. Because i am so incredibly loved. Right now, Jon is slaving away in his home making food (i have no idea what’s on the menu) for my party tomorrow- the party which he planned. Somedays i can hardly get my mind around the fact that i have a boyfriend. That he loves me. I want to jump up and down and get some sparklers out. Or something equally exciting. But no.
Tonight, i want to rest in this love i find around me. I want to accept being loved and revel in the absolute joy that it brings.