Just when I think they don't know me at all...

...My parents surprise me with QUITE the appropriate bevy of birthday presents.

• Cherry cheesecake (my dad's recipe, which I drool over)
• Box of chai tea
• Box of Twinings brand Earl Grey tea
• A gift set of... wait for it... Bailey's Irish Cream. The same gift set that a seminarian friend of mine gave me for Christmas. (Maybe they're trying to tell me something?)
• Giftcards for Harris Teeter, gas (BP), Bath and Body Works, Kohls, and Outback Steakhouse

And the best one... my mom's taking me shopping for an ACTUAL bed! All I have now is the metal frame that keeps it off the ground. She's paying for the headboard, and (since the rest of it is slightly unnecessary but I want it anyway) I'm paying for the rest. IKEA HERE I COME.

And of course, tomorrow's Memorial Day cookout... I convinced my dad to do ribs (his are the BEST), I'm making potato salad, and there are Coronas and limes in the fridge just for me! :)
This weekend has turned out surprisingly well so far, and definitely better than I expected.