Table for six

Decided this year I wanted to keep it simple. Just the people who matter most, takeout from that Thai place we all love, and a chocolate cake from the bakery down the street. Sometimes the best celebrations are the ones where you don’t overthink it.

Table for six

Watching everyone squeeze around our little dining table, laughing at Carmen’s terrible dad jokes and listening to Alex and Michelle debate the merits of different workout routines - this is exactly what thirty-three should feel like. Sarah brought flowers, Jake handled all the logistics without being asked, and somehow we managed to get through dinner without anyone bringing up work drama.

Cake cutting ceremony in progress.

The cake was perfect, the company was better, and I’m going to bed tonight feeling like maybe I’ve figured out a few things about what actually matters. Not a bad way to start a new year of life.