My 30th Part One: The Sentimental Version

I couldn't help but be reminded of mother on my birthday. Had she'd been alive and been here to celebrate with me, I know she would have flipped out over the Rockettes, the Beatles cover band in the subway playing her favorite songs, and Rob's sorry attempt at a homemade birthday cake. I missed her during those three moments and cried a little that she wasn't around to experience them with me.

I kept imagining her big toothy smile, her loud New York accent yapping away at how everything was so great. The way she laughed so easily. She never held back her emotions. As a teenager, it was a little embarrassing how excited she would get when I was trying desperately to play it cool. Looking back on it now, I can't help but love her for it.

It's those same qualities that I love about Ella. That's why I like to celebrate my birthday with her. She's the closest person I know that is the same way. You should have seen Ella ice skating at Rockefeller Center, the moment Santa ran in front of us at Rockettes, the way she was giggling when she got her nails done. I'm lucky to have her.

Non sentimental details of the day tomorrow.