It came up in my FB memories recently but a true story from a few years ago...

It was my birthday and at work we were having one of those all-day strategy meetings. Honestly I was dreading it, but the fact that we had birthday cake and fun made it a little better. Just me and the four ladies on my team, all of various ages.

Just after lunch, one of the girls on the team mentioned that she was going to India for a couple of weeks for a friend's wedding over there, and had been gifted a salwar kameez for the event, which she had just picked up that morning. She got it out to show the rest of us; I remember it being gorgeous, in sapphire blue with golden trim, and so delicate to the touch.

I can't remember whose idea it was, but someone said that since it was my birthday I should try it on. As I'm sure you can imagine, I was quietly thrilled but had to try to play it off a little. But to my silent joy the girls wrapped me up in the gorgeous fabric, complimenting me on how lovely it looked. I can't describe the feeling of standing there with those ladies, the soft material draping over my shoulder...heavenly. I'm sure you'll understand when I say I was quietly hoping for a little more; maybe a little makeup or some jewelry, but that was just far as it went.

I got to keep it on for the entire afternoon, having to hide how excited it made me. And I was a little sad to take it off at the end of the meeting. But it still to this day sticks in my mind as one of my fondest birthday treats.