It's My Birthday, Bitches!!

An office tradition is to bring in a treat on one's birthday. So, last week I started searching for unique cupcakes to make in honor of my last year in the 30's.

Both of my bosses are big fans of the Cuba Libre..and I thought...hmm...rum, coca cola, and lime..in a cupcake...okay..Go for it! And I did!!

The first batch completely collapsed in on me and were not salvageable. :(

The looked like this:




They were edible though... and I had a few quick bites before I peeled them off the pan and threw them away!!

So, I decided to move onto a Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Coffee Cake. Perfect!! It turned out like this and was a HUGE hit today! 2 cups of Sugar in this and everyone is crawling on the ceiling today. :)



After a few minutes thought and not wanting those Cuba Libre Cupcakes get the best of me...I attempted them again. I WILL NOT FAIL AT CUPCAKES!!

And yes...they are monogrammed as It's My Birthday!! You'll notice a few of them have a K and a P on them. They are in honor of my coworker, Koti, who is now in India and having his engagement party today with 500 of his closest friends.



This is what my kitchen looked like when all was said and done....notice my laptop on the counter..didn't want to be away from online friends and especially Facebook for too long of a time!! :)



While I was waiting for stuff to bake, I dug out my birthday present to myself. A pair of Guess flip flops that I scored for $5 at the outlet mall!! I cannot wait to have a warm occasion to wear them!! (and yes, I know I'm overdue for a pedicure...but I cannot think about such things when it's -20f!).

Thanksgiving in Playa Del Carmen

Needing a break from my life here in Wisconsin, and just missing my future home like crazy, I decided to plan a short (6 day) vacation back to Playa. I planned my vacation around the Thanksgiving holiday, as it is a paid dayoff from work.

A week before Thanksgiving, I received a suprise invitation from an American living in Playa. Sara, who along with her husband Steve, graciously included me in the day's events. Sara is best friends with my Playa friend, Heather, who is from Chicago. The invite caught me a bit off guard as I am not a true local yet, and it made me a bit teary.

I arrived in Playa around 2pm on Thanksgiving at the rented condo of my friend Maggie and her niece, Steph. I quickly unpacked, and headed down to the internet cafe to try and let Heather know I was there and would be getting credits for Mexican cell phone soon. I then popped next door to the 'Off the Vine' and bought 2 bottle of blanco and 2 bottles of tinto as well as a bottle of Pomegranite Tequila as a hostess gift from the always helpful and gorgeous, Alex.

Feeling frantic about my lack of time, I hurried back to the condo and dropped off the wine and made my way to the nearest OXXO, a convience store in Playa (think 7-11). They did not have the Amigo cards I needed to replenish my phone credits, but the do now offer an online way of getting credits. You simply give them your phone number they enter it into the computer with the number of credits you want and presto, you can talk again!! EXCELLENT! No more ruining my nails in an attempt to scratch off the gooey grey stuff on those cards!!

Finally, just as I am about to call Heather she calls me. I think she senses my panic and my ever dwindling time to get to the party and she calmly tells me to relax, I am on Mexico time now. I am not showered yet and I decide to have Susie come pick me up as I muled down two jugs of protein powder and some Charmin for her, plus I have a whole truckload of Rag magazines for Heather.

Back to the condo and I quickly shower and have enough time to share a glass of wine with my roomies, Maggie and Steph, before Susie comes to retrieve me.

Me and Maggie



Arriving at the party, and I'm in awe of Sara's cute house and the Thanksgiving table. She actually managed to put a table together for all of us in her living room!!



I am quickly introduced to several people. All are expats from their home countries now living in Playa. I mingle about and help out where I can. The house smells awesome!!

Here is the hostess Sara and the awesome Heather!!



This is sweet sweet Susie and her yummy Pumpkin bars. Susie is originally from Ohio and now lives in Mexico in a gorgeous palapa. I hope to get to visit there someday soon!! I've only seen pictures.



This is Heather's dentist. I briefly told him that I need a crown for one of my molars and he graciously pulls out on of his dentist tools to have a look.



Kidding of course!! Jorge does the honors of cutting the turkey.



Jorge continues the turkey slaughter and Michael (Heather's Guy), steps in to help. Susie takes photos.



And then I cut the pork!!



Michael and I take a moment out of our duties to pose...



And then we start fighting over who gets the wishbone.



We all sit down to dinner and Sara does the toast!! I just remember being thankful for being invited and getting to share in this holiday tradition in such a lovely home with lovely people.



Someone gives Heather a baby and I don't get to see or talk to her the rest of the evening. *smiles*



And Susie finds the cat!!



After dinner, we retreat to the back patio for some more wine and chit chat. Then, it's back indoors to help with the cleanup. I do remember sharing a shot of La Pinta with Heather and Sara. By this time, Susie is ready to head home, and she offers me a ride. Since it was my travel day and I was exhausted, I accept, even though part of me wants to stay. Susie drops me off near the condo and I walk the rest of the way home reflecting on the nights events and just happy to be in Playa.

I just want to say THANK YOU to Sara and Steve (and Heather too) for welcoming me into their home. You cannot know how wonderful your invitation made me feel. I'm not a local yet, but hope to be someday and I hope to return the favor when that does happen. Thanks so much! Gracias!