A great birthday weekend!

I had a great birthday weekend - thanks to all of my friends who were able to join me during part of it.

Things started Thursday night after work when a few of my co-workers took me out to Cornwall's for a couple drinks after work.

Friday night, we went to Cottonwood, which while the meal was delicious going down, drove me to an emergency bathroom trip upon arriving back at Jamen and Chris' place for cake. I'm assuming something in the seafood paella wanted out of my body, and it got its way. Nonetheless, I still enjoy Cottonwood, and would most certainly go back.

I was supposed to attend a conference at MIT on Saturday, but the birthday drinks and paella misfortune grounded me for the morning. Instead, I went to a park off of Morrissey Blvd. with Rosie, and she enjoyed her off-leash play date with Same and some other dogs who were there. I was amazed how fast she was. Rosie definitely outran all of the other dogs there, and she was also quite obedient.

It was around the drive home that I started to suspect that Rosie does not like driving in cars (I'm assuming it's all cars and not just mine...or not just a result of my driving). She gets extremely nervous - dripping drool (she never usually drools), resistance to enter the car, farting in the car, refusal to eat treats, muscle shaking, and occasionally puking. We're going to have to work on this, as it adds a huge crimp in my ability to transport her. She's not going to be able to meet the family in New York for Thanksgiving, which is a bit of a bummer!

The puking, actually, didn't happen until the rise to Brian & Kelly's later that night. They made an incredible dinner that night for six - the three of us, Ryan, Jesse, and Hilary. Roasted chicken, delicious stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and a strawberry cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory (thanks Ryan!)

Sunday, I met Jeff and Ryan at Zaftig's in Brookline, and after an almost 2 hour wait (?!) during which we wandered around the area since the weather was so nice outside, we had a delicious lunch. I have been there before, and have had sandwiches from there at work, but have never gone there for the Sunday rush. Zaftig's rocks, but just not on Sunday mornings.

Now, it's time to wind down on the couch. I have given in to Rosie's puppy eyes, and now she is allowed to lie on the couch (atop her blanket), a position in which she has spent the majority of the afternoon and evening!