Blair's birthday went off perfectly.

The minute she left for class I got my ass in gear making her cake. A copycat (or closest approximation I could find) of Trader Sam's coconut cake, the cake we had at Disneyland that she said was her new favorite cake. I made my own letters out of melted chocolate in a silicone mold (Happy Name Day), and used a hunk of rock candy to represent a kyber crystal. Painted the crystal and the letters with edible UV luster dust to make them glow, which she was absolutely enchanted by, to my pride and delight.

Drove her downtown and walked to the secret location where the rage vault is located, which was her surprise birthday activity. She's been mentioning how the state of the world has been making her feel more fearful, agitated, aggressive, and that she doesn't know where to put these feelings, so this is why I thought this would be a great surprise activity. We were shown to the back where she could select a bunch of protective gear: jumpsuit, eyewear, helmet with visor, gloves, and choose a couple of weapons. She selected baseball bat and crowbar. Then, for twenty minutes, she got to break and assortment of items in that room to a loud aggressive metal soundtrack. It was a sight to behold. They let me go in too, and cower in a little alcove so I could take a few pictures and some video. It was wild standing there watching her go savage, while shards of exploding glass sailed past me (of course I was wearing protective gear too).

Afterward, we walked further downtown to eat at one of her favorite places, a gourmet woodfire pizza place. I sent her to get a table and ordered our pizza, a salad, and a couple of glasses of wine. After that, we headed to The Pearl, the cutest little hometown creamery you ever saw, for some ice cream.

Back home, I made her wait by the door while I arrange everything on the counter. Set the cake out, check. Arrange her gifts and card, check. Make sure 7 foot tall life size cardboard standee of Bode Akuna is in place, check.

She lost her mind over the giant Bode, which is exactly the reaction I wanted. Enjoyed her gifts. Also enjoyed a long shower and the massage that followed. I love a good chance to spoil her, and it was an absolute joy to put a birthday together for her. The first of either of our birthdays that we have been able to spend together in person.

Valentine's Day is tomorrow. I've already gotten a bunch of flowers and arranged them myself in a nice vase, and have wrapped the ring I bought in Washington. I'll leave the flowers on the counter so that she sees them first thing in the morning. I have to work in the morning, but in the evening, we're gonna go and get Indian food. This is also our first Valentine's Day together in person, so I'm excited and happy.