Well done, Phillip Cheung

I knew SOMETHING was up. I use Phillip's laptop so often I couldn't help but glimpse emails to friends with my name in the subject header. Of course I did him the favor of not reading those emails. YOU'RE WELCOME, PHILLIP. One time he missed a call and later told me it was work, when I'd quite clearly seen a friend's name on the screen. Future Pastry Chef sister somehow "forgot" to make the birthday cake I specifically requested for Friday night with my family. And my mother can occasionally keep a secret, but she cannot help herself from discussing said secret with your sisters when you are three feet away.

I was told we were having dinner with two other couples. I suspected a birthday cake might show up. I thought a handful of other friends might be there. The girls I manicured with that afternoon (PEOPLE! Until now I have been missing out on the crazy fun that is hot pink fingernails!) assured me it was no big deal. (LIARS.) So I certainly did not expect to walk into a restaurant bar full of my very favorite people. 

Of course, that is the moment I DIED, because while I 1) love parties and 2) love to throw the party, I am 3) not at all cut out to be the CENTER of the party. I mean, I think I put on a good SHOW, but in ACTUALITY? Shudder. So I did what any self-respecting introvert would do: hid my face behind my husband and slowly made my way to the bar.

I am told Phillip emailed everyone we'd ever known, and that this email was quite funny (at my expense of course.) Apparently he asked the Future Pastry Chef to whip up the birthday cake before I did. He Made Arrangements with my friends, he kept the tables full of food and drinks, he mingled like I have never seen him mingle before. I was a tiny bit smitten.

I, on the other hand, was so flustered I mixed up my own sisters' names and kept asking people to repeat themselves because my brain was still in I Thought I Was Just Going Out To Dinner Mode. But you know, a few drinks took care of the Tongue-Tie and the Fear of Mingling and it wasn't long before it turned into The Best Birthday Ever.

Here is the cake:

Chocolate fudge cake, with ganache and a cheesecake filling. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 

And your intrepid heroes:

Maggie: *rather stymied re: empty glass* Phillip: I am as pleased with myself as I look.

I just want to state for all the internet to know: my friends are the best. Their devotion to all things Cheung and Celebratory makes me very teary. I can really only think of one truly bad thing about having children, and that's how it often distances you from friends without children, or even friends with children who live more than a few miles away. There were people at my party I hadn't seen in six months, people I hadn't seen in over a year. I felt so honored.

I was going to post a whole bunch more photos, but there are kind of a lot, and almost all of people you don't know and what fun is that? But if you know me in real life (and most likely you don't, since 99% of my Real Life Peeps are all "blob?") or if you don't know me in real life but find yourself inexplicably fascinated (AND WHY WOULDN'T YOU?), you're welcome to check out the Flickr account I have every intention of using again. 

And thanks for all YOUR birthday wishes. Smooch.

Comments

[Carrie]

How fun! I'm glad you had a wonderful 30th!

[blognerd]

OH MY GOSH. I so wish I was there. You look HOT. And Phillip does look very, very pleased with himself. Well done, Phillip Cheung, indeed! I'm glad he knows what a prize he has in you. (And tell him next time to put me on the list. I may just fly out.)

[K]

Looks like you had a blast! Happy late birthday!

[-R-]

Awesome! Way to go, Phillip!

Also, way to go you for not reading those e-mails! I hate having surprises ruined, but I don't know if I could have resisted the temptation of those e-mails.

[Tara]

Woooo! Looks like so much fun. And you? Look AWESOME!

[Dr. Maureen]

Yay! I'm glad you had fun! And you look SO HOT.

[MichelleRenee]

Yeah! Happy Birthday.

You look AWESOME.

Congratulations on reaching your goal to be Hot by Thirty!

[Melissa]

You look so great! Happy 30th Maggie! I'm sorry we missed the party, but we were out of town...again. (Yes, we survived another 5 hour + road trip with the help of a DVD player this time.) Looks and sounds like it was a great party! Happy Birthday!

[Crystal]

What a great surprise! And that cake sounds yummy.

[Jen]

Hot by 30 definitely worked! Also, best cake ever!

I am so glad you had such a wonderful party. Way to go, Phillip! Happy birthday, Maggie!

[Nessa]

I totally missed the boat, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And you look smokin' hot my dear.

I'm glad your hubby pulled off an amazing birthday for you, you deserve it!

[Manda]

Philip SHOULD look proud of himself! AND HE SHOULD WRITE A HUSBAND NEWSLETTER.
Cheers for Maggie's Hot Birthday! WOO!

[Jess]

This is fabulous! Happy birthday, again! It looks excellent. Good job, Phillip!

[Lindsay]

You look beyond beautiful. I'm glad your birthday was wonderful.

[Elizabeth]

Oh you look so cute! I love that you're finally embracing the strapless top.
I am only mildly miffed that I was NOT invited.

[Rosemary]

Maggie, Happy Birthday a little late. You look so beautiful!

[A'Dell]

Dear Philip,

Will you plan MY birthday party next year? Pretty please???

Love, A Person In Texas You Don't Know But Is A Fan Of Your Party Planning Skills

Dear Maggie,

WAY TO GO ON THE HUBS SELECTION! And, Happy Birthday! It looks like so much fun. Cake looks delicious - am so jealous I didn't get a slice.

Love, A'Dell

[Kate P]

That looks like an awesome party--yay Phillip (and yay Maggie for having a b-day).

P.S. You are totally working the hotness! Extra hotness points for the updo.

[Elsha]

Happy (late) birthday! It sounds like lots of fun:)

[Christina]

Am ridiculously behind in my blog reading (again!) and just now seeing this. 1. Happy Birthday!!! 2. Your husband rocks. Seriously. My husband? Would never think to do such a thing in a MILLION years. But I love him anyway. (my husband, that is.)