H A P P Y B I R T D A Y , M O M ! !

Today is my mom's 78th birthday and I'm so thankful and happy to have her in my life. I hope my mom is with me for many more years and I cherish the time we spend together. Since today's her actual birthday and the family won't celebrate until Saturday, I thought it would be great to at least take her dinner. I had to work, but I didn't work overtime today.

We went to Chevys in Burbank. I'd never been there, but my mom really likes the food there and so my spouse met us at the restaurant after work. Due to traffic, my spouse arrived first and ended up waiting 30 minutes - sorry!! Boy, do they serve large portions. I ordered fajitas and felt full just looking at the plate. I thought about snapping a shot of the plate - it was well planned and decorated, it made the dish more appetizing and appealing.

Of course, I chickened out. Does this ever happen to you? I became self conscious about the other diners thinking me a fool or nut for photographing my plate! Then, I thought my mom might wonder "what's wrong with her?", so instead I just began eating. After the meal, the server brought my mom a large sombrero and placed it on her head as we sang Happy Birthday!

My mom really liked that part. She was smiling and looking around and it was great way to acknowledge one's birthday. Most restaurants arrive with the obligatory slice of cake or bowl of ice cream and sing. Somehow, the large sombrero made it more festive and fun. I know my spouse was tired, as was I, but we both agreed that it was worth it.

Even the most ordinary moments can be extraordinary!