It’s my birthday today….

And what a surprise I was given by Mr Shamrock…..

Those who know me, know and understand Mr S doesn’t do romance, or remembers to organise birthdays. Those who do not understand different wiring might think this to be an indicator of trouble in paradise, but it’s not.

After almost 13 years of marriage to the genius geek, I have learned to work around it by:

• Giving money to the teen to organise a widdle something.
• Tell the kids it’s my birthday and ask for a cake and tidy bedrooms.
• Email my beloved a week before my birthday and set out my expectations.
• Treat it as just another day.

Of course, the reality is, some of this actually spoils the whole thing, so there have been years where I simply did not bother. After all, as an adoptee, birthdays used to be a mish mash of emotions anyway.

Also, when I have left my widdle other half to his own devices, I have ended up with out there gifts that I have neither needed, wanted or would ever use. But as he has at least tried, have smiled and thanked him.

Even last year, I was left to organising my own 40th party until friends found out, objected and took over. (GOD LOVE THEM) And it truly was the BEST birthday I have ever had.

So, after all this time, I am happily non fussed about the day. When people gush ‘OOOOoo anything special planned’, I smile to myself as ’special’ to me is Mr S remembering it is my birthday at all.

(And I want to STRESS that I have long accepted that and it is just the way it is. I need no sympathy from anyone reading this blog, just presents !!! lol)

Well, I think I have woken in a parallel Universe.

Not only did Mr Shamrock REMEMBER my birthday was coming up, but kept telling me excitedly he had ORGANISED a surprise. I am unsure what was more exciting for him, my birthday coming or the fact he remembered.

And the surprise ???

A Mandolin !!!!!!

I play piano and guitar and started teaching myself the Tin Whistle. But I am of the opinion, if you can read music, you can teach yourself anything !!!!

A MANDOLIN !!!!!!!!!!

With a teach yourself book, which to be honest was great for a beginner, but did not give me what I think I need to learn. Not to worry, I will use it for the children as they are most keen to learn also.

A FREAKIN’ MANDOLIN !!!!!!!!!!!

And now for your viewing pleasure, Celtic Lad took this of me. It is pretty shoddy playing, BUT, in my defense, I had only had the thing for an hour.

And as a treat for myself, I made Mummy of Nomes German Streusel Cake. Yum, yum, yum. The kids and I made it yesterday and it is SCRUMMY. A must try !!! I am going to use apple next time and we used the dairy free version as Celtic Lad is vegan.

And finally, here is a precious picture, just for Anja, coz I.know.how.she.loves.PINK.

I am more than happy to buy some more for you my Goth Goddess of Black.  

P.S.

Mistress Tootsie left me a gift at her blog.

Lickin Snickle left me a gift too.

Texts and emails….

Life is complete.