I've been planning this trip to California for months. Landing in Oakland almost felt surreal.

It was hot. I was hungry. I wondered if it was a mistake to put all my thirtieth birthday happiness eggs in one basket.

Then I went over to my friend Ari's house and it felt like magic.

As I spread goat cheese over an apple slice and slathered it with fig and orange jelly I knew that I was exactly where I needed to be.

Ari put out a total spread. Bubbly and cheese. I know, right?! There was also a cupcake and a birthday song.

Ari, I love you.

Eat Cake Bitches.