---
title: "Thirty Six"
date: 2024-01-15T11:46:08-08:00
categories: Me
tags: [Travel, Birthdays]
resources:
  - src: dinner.jpg
    title: >
      Dinner was Japanese style grilled chicken, grilled onions, and green
      beans. Photo credit Erin "EJ" O'Connor.
    params:
      alt: A table arrayed with a variety of bowls and plates.
  - src: cake.jpg
    title: Seriously look at this cake.
    params:
      alt: >
        A cylidrical chocolate cake covered in smooth chocolate icing. Small
        flourishes adorn the bottom. Tess' hand holds a knife, part way through
        making a cut. Several more cuts mark out three pieces of cake ready to
        be served.
  - src: view.jpg
    title: The view from our room at the Fairmont.
    params:
      alt: >
        A sweeping view of San Francisco from Nob Hill on a clear day with high
        wispy clouds. In the center distance, Alcatraz Island rises out of the
        water. To the right, Coit Tower stands atop Telegraph Hill. To the left
        is Russian Hill, with myriad tall apartment buildings.
---

Yesterday, January 14, was my thirty-sixth birthday. Putting aside the utter
absurdity of the fact that I'm thirty six, I've had a really wonderful weekend.
Here are some highlights:

{{< figures/image name=dinner.jpg class=content-width >}}

Tess and EJ came over for dinner. They surprised me with cards, presents, and an
incredible gluten free chocolate cake from [Noe Valley Bakery][nvb]. (Their
cakes are amazing, by the way; you should totally get one.)

{{< figures/image name=cake.jpg class=content-width >}}

Both my cats, [Rowan and Ash][cats], greeted me Sunday morning and hung around for some
good snuggles.

I went to [Kabuki Springs][kb] in Japantown, where I had a massage and a couple
hours' soak in the baths. 🧖🏻‍♀️ I haven't had a massage in quite a long time
and it was great to unwind for a while.

Tess and I spent the night at the [Fairmont Hotel][fairmont], and had dinner at
the Laurel Court.

{{< figures/image name=view.jpg class=content-width >}}

So much credit goes to {{< tess >}}, who booked all the things and made the
whole weekend happen. She took such good care of me, and I feel very loved.

A number of friends and family also reached out to wish me happy birthday. I'm
deeply grateful for all of your birthday wishes, and for taking the time
connect. <3

[nvb]: https://noevalleybakery.com
[cats]: {{< ref "/cats" >}}
[kb]: https://kabukisprings.com
[fairmont]: https://www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/
