Turning 21 all over again & the party never ends

"Growing younger not older. That should be on my mind. It seems as though that over the years, birthdays get less happy and more depressing. I don't get to celebrate them the way I used to in the good old days. With cake, candles, wishes, presents, the whole she-bang. I wonder if this year will be any different... The year before was spent with way too much drama than I'd care to remember. And birthdays pre-Michigan were not much different... I can't think of ONE really knock-your-socks-off special birthday. Okay, maybe one. I think I was five. Strawberry shortcake was involved - my favorite at the time. And I was given one of those cheesy paper gold crowns from Burger King but definitely felt like a princess. Why can't I grow young and be a princess all over again?" ~ written in my journal a year ago.

BUT this year of 2005 is different. I'm home in LA and I've turned 21 all over again - for the seventh time. And tonight, I've never been happier on my birthday (minus the Burger King memory). As I reflect over the last year and look forward to being another year older, I focus on a few things.

*Grow young, play, and being a princess for a day is okay.*
I once mentioned to MS a few months ago that I really wanted to go to Disneyland. Hadn't been there in years. And in my birthday card, what did I find? Two tickets to the Magic Kingdom taped inside!

It had been a while since I visited the "Happiest Place on Earth" so I was surprised to learn about Fast Pass. Because of Fast Pass, we got to ride Space Mountain twice, bypass the long line at Thunder Mountain, the converted Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones' Adventure, and my favorite ride of the day ~ Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

But what I love even more than the rides at Disneyland is the giddy feeling I get in being part of the whole magical experience. Not to mention the food! Although we made and packed bag loads of spam musubis for the day, we also snacked on some park popcorn. I just couldn't resist the mouth-watering smell of freshly popped kernals. MS reminisced his days of working the churro stands here during his high school days, and found the popcorn extra addicting as we waited in line for one of his favorite rides, Star Tours.

But a day at Disneyland is never complete without a Clam Chowder Bread Bowl from the River Belle Terrace. After a long day of standing in lines, we were surprised that it took just as long to get our fill of this warm and tasty dish! But it was all worth it, and I was definitely a happy camper.

*It's good to splurge, especially for cake!*
As Disneyland's celebrating their 50th birthday, there were special fireworks, special rides, and special desserts like the Golden Mickey at the park. While they were singing "Happy Birthday," it was as if they were singing to me too.

Me: Ooo...that looks so yummy! Is it okay if I have one?
MS: Yeah, of course.
Me: Yay! This is the BEST birthday EVER!

Birthday celebrations continue at Canal Club
*"Friends are like flowers. They bring a smile to your heart."*
MLS and SS introduced me to Canal Club and James' Beach earlier this year. This time, we reserved the Palapa Room above the sushi bar of this trendy chic restaurant. I loved the set up of the room and was so happy to share this special day with great friends. We started with some warm, lightly salted edamame and a few drinks. The last few times I came to Canal Club, I ordered sushi and sashimi like SS did. Here's a pic I sneaked before the plate was devoured. This time, however, I dared to be different. I went with one of the dinner entrees, the Seared Tuna with Bok Choy and Risotto which was cooked medium rare. The dish lacked aesthetic appeal, but the bok choy made up for it with a punch of flavor. But the plate that took the show was the Grilled Salmon with Garlic Green Beans and Wasabi Mashed Potatoes. I had dinner envy with SP on my left and ST on my right both eating the same scrumptious foods. Their plates even looked tastier than mine!






vs.

At the end of the night, MLS and SS brought a surprise cake from Porto's Mango Mousse. Two layers of delicious yellow sponge cake and two layers of fresh mango mousse decorated with fresh fruits topped with a Hello Kitty candle, I almost cried with the thoughtful gesture. But had enough composure to smile, snap some photos, and make my birthday wish which already came true.

*Thank you to everyone who made it happen and for all your love and friendship!!! And thanks for signing my birthday book and taking such fun polaroid pictures! This has truly been the absolute BEST knock-the-socks-off special birthday I've ever had.*

Canal Club
Street: 2025 Pacific Avenue. Venice, CA 90291
T: (310) 823-3878

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