Yesterday, I redirected my thoughts off all this recent unpleasantness to focus on my birthday gal.
We kicked things off with an early morning surprise – a present, lovingly wrapped in cardboard and tape, compliment so the fine folks at Amazon. For Akemi = the two bottles of Thann wood essential oils that actually smell more like orange, but what do I know.
(Trivia: This was on her Christmas list but I failed to get them for her, so I got her two for her birthday to make up for the oversight!)
Then, we hit the gym where Akemi ran through her usual low intensity workout while I multi-tasked: running, watching sports highlights, and learning Japanese.
(Trivia: A three minute jog is enough to completely Akemi and have her complaining about sore legs for days!)
Then, it was time for our morning walk –
(Trivia: If Suji doesn’t have her boots on by 10:30 a.m. at the latest, she will cry until we eventually give in and take her out).
For lunch, we hit Momofuku for bao’s and crack pie –
(Trivia: Former Stargate EP Robert Cooper makes a fantastic home made version!)
From there, we headed to the Shangri-la hotel spa for our one hour couple’s massage and 15 minute head treatment:
(Trivia:
We headed back home to feed the dogs, and then it was time to dress up and head out once again –
(Trivia: Back in Vancouver, Akemi vowed to throw out her favorite boots after Bubba peed on them. But now that Bubba’s gone, those boots are a fond – and cleaned – remembrance of him.)
We hit our favorite Toronto sushi spot: Yasu Sushi-Bar
Oshikatta!
(Trivia: Every sushi meal ends with the egg omelet, tamago. Akemi is a big fan of the edges they usually trim away. When they ask us if we’d like anything else, I’ll usually order a couple of extra pieces of uni for me, and those discarded edges for Akemi. They’re called hashiko in Japanese. Thus, when we go out for sushi, I refer to her as Hashiko-chan).
On our way home, we pass by a new dessert place and decide to drop in and check it out.
We order the ube soft serve that tastes like pandan and coconut, but is delicious nevertheless.
(Trivia: Akemi is so obsessed with Hong Kong waffle cones that she actually wants to visit Hong Kong so that she can sample the originals).
Otanjobi omedetto gozaimasu yo!
Happy birthday, Akemi!!
Sounds like it was a great day. And you should go to HK! I was only there for a short time but it was amazing.
Happy birthday, Akemi! What a lovely day.
Wishing a very happy birthday to a sweet, talented and creative young lady. All best wishes to you Akemi!
=^-^= =^-^=
Happy birthday Akemi!! Looks like you had a great day!
Happy birthday, Akemi!
I watched Chef’s Table on Netflix last night. It was the episode about the lady who started Milk and invented Crack Pie. All her stuff looked amazing so I intend to try it out if I’m in North America at some point. Do you know if Robert Cooper shares his recipe?
Happiest of birthday wishes to dear Akemi. <3 <3 <3
Happy birthday, Akemi, and many happy years.
Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to the lovely Akemi! Glad she had an awesome day. Hey! Yes! Let’s go to Hong Kong!
Happy Birthday Akemi! I see Joe made it a nice one. I love tomago as dessert too (although Barb is not fond of it and usually goes for green tea ice cream).
And Joe, I’m not much for massages myself. I tend to have tight muscles in my back which masseuses see as a challenge and want to loosen up, usually with deep thumb presses. The end result is I end up with a back full of bruises, and muscle pain for a couple of days. Maybe I saw the wrong masseuses, but I now prefer to be left alone (or just take a hot bath).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AKEMI……:)
What an awesome day. Happy Birthday, Akemi – you look beautiful!l
Happy birthday Akemi! *hugs*
Happy Birthday Akemi!!!! You’re a good boyfriend Mr. M.! All those activities sound like fun. Hope the good times continue through Akemi’s BirthMonth celebration! 🙂
Happy belated Birthday Akemi. Looks like it was a fantastic day.
Happy Birthday Akemi
Where did my post on here go??!
Happy Birthday, Akemi (although as my previous post seems to have disappeared, it’s now belated birthday wishes – sorry! 😢)
Happy Belated Birthday to Akemi. Looks like a jam-packed day of pampering and food! Except for that exercise bit.
Happy Birthday 💐 Akemi!!