I’m waiting for the UPS man to make a very special delivery – a Netbook, my (early) birthday present from the Husband! Well, technically I bought it for myself on BestBuy.com and told the Husband not to buy me anything else. 
Yes, I have two weeks until my birthday, but who’s counting?
A Netbook is basically a mini laptop. I really need one for traveling because my laptop is heavy, and the power cord is duct taped to the laptop. Maggie tripped over the cord once and it’s on the verge of breaking off. I look extremely professional when I lug this duct taped monstrosity to conferences and presentations.
Ghetto fabulous.
But… I can’t leave for my bike ride until the UPS man makes his delivery, and the weather forecast calls for intense rain this afternoon. Looks like I won’t be able to squeeze a long ride in before my work trip. 
Lunch featured one of my favorite recipes.
Flax-Encrusted Sweet Potato Balls!
These balls contain sweet potato, black beans, salsa, and jalapeño. The complete recipe is on this page (towards the bottom). The mustard is key!
Plus, an arugula, strawberry, cheddar, and balsamic dressing salad.
I love the peppery taste of arugula.
Do you buy yourself birthday presents? I always do. As I get older, birthdays get less exciting. Might as well gift myself something fabulous!
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I try not to, but then I either get money or give in and go pick out my own present. This year, I bought my own easter basket. That was tasty!
Hope the UPS man comes soon! I know all too well what it is to be waiting on them
I have been known to treat myself on a birthday on a few occasions…doesn’t just have to be birthdays though! Saturdays, Mondays…Days….
(I kid!)
LOVE those sweet potato balls – now I have flaxseed at last, I’m definetly making them
Have a good afternoon!
I do buy most of my own presents, or hubby and I agree to take a vacay together as a gift. More fun to me that way!
Perhaps this is a goofy question, but why not just buy a new laptop cord? You can get them pretty cheap on amazon and then you won’t have to continue duct-taping your main work computer together
ps. those sweet potato balls look ahhh-mazing!
it’s not the cord, it’s the connection into the laptop. it’s super loose and wiggly. the computer place said it would cost $100 to fix AND i would be computer less for a week. obviously not going to work! hehe plus, a netbook would be really nice for travel.
That happened to my laptop before I got this new one. It turns out there was more wrong with it than just the connection and it was unrepairable. I say it is wise to go ahead and get a netbook. Besides, they are so cute!
I do sometimes. Mostly because I know what I want and I’m a control freak. There’s nothing wrong with it. haha
i don’t usually get myself gifts, but sometimes if it’s a good deal i’ll splurge! those sweet potato balls sound AH-mazing!
I just bought myself a Garmin for my 21st! I <3 my netbook, I sleep with mine in bed… no lie.
I’m definitely making those sweet potato balls ASAP!
I always buy myself something for my birthday. Usually it’s a dress or pair of shoes I find too “impractical” to purchase normally. And I always buy myself a piece of cake from my favorite bakery.
Oh goodness, I am shameless at getting myself birthday presents. My birthday falls right after Christmas so I was always given joint presents, which made me so jealous of my sisters with summer birthdays! So now I make up for it and celebrate my birthday a gazillion times and make sure I get myself presents
Oh my god, those sweet potato balls sound and look so good! I gotta make those soon
And yeah, I totally buy myself some birthday presents. Sometimes my parents just give me the money and let me buy whatever I want! They have pretty busy schedules so this is easier for everyone (they don’t “waste” time shopping and I don’t get stuff I don’t really want).
I was looking at the ipads yesterday at bestbuy and super tempted!
I was going to write that I don’t buy myself birthday gifts. But yesterday I booked a trip to see my nephew, and I fly down two days after my birthday, so I guess that counts!
I am sooo asking for a netbook for my birthday too. I want a pink one! I can’t believe I have gone my whole life without a laptop. I feel like a bad blogger…Your sweet potato balls look fab. I am so trying out that recipe!
I was looking at those sweet potato balls the other day… I think I’m going to make them tomorrow!! Yum!
I definitely buy birthday presents for myself — or shamelessly lobby for what I want from others. I love buying Christmas presents for myself too. I don’t wrap them, but I do buy at least one or two things for me when I’m buying for others.
Yes, since I usually just get $$$ or gift cards these days at my birthday (though my hubby did get me some nice shirts and my friend got me Nike running shorts this year) I typically always buy my own gifts…….but with others $$$ of course! =)
Recently I’ve been getting myself presents before my birthday as well. As I get older I know what I want, and if I can afford it I might as well get it right?
My bf wants a small laptop in order to write his book he has in his head – do you mind giving a price range for it and why you decided to get that specific one?
I don’t know if you would want to do serious writing on a Netbook – I think they are pretty uncomfortable for long term typing. But mine was $229 and it’s an emachine from BestBuy.com. I got it because it had good reviews and was the cheapest one.
That salad looks amazing!! Am jealous, want a netbook too!!
What netbook did you order? I need to get one too. I got used to having my work laptop and then they went and laid me off! Lol. First thing I am doing with my severance is buy a netbook. Oh yea, and an iPhone
the emachines one on bestbuy.com. it’s about $229
I definitely do! Gotta treat yourself to something nice
I love treating myself on birthdays. I usually go for a new shirt or a manicure.
Quick question about the sweet potato balls – do you take the skin off or mash it in?
remove the skin.
I used to insist birthday presents be surprises or not exist, but after watching the husband struggle and fail for so long, I’ve figured out it’s easier just to get it myself…I still make him get a card tho
I love ordering my own presents
I don’t buy myself birthday presents but I do celebrate my birthday all week.
Oooh I want to try those sweet potato balls!
I want a Spin bike for my birthday! I’ll prob’ly have to spring for it myself…
I always get myself gifts! I get myself gifts for lots of things…graduating law school, a new job. I love to celebrate myself, even if it’s just with flowers!
I have a netbook and love it! What a good b-day present, I bought myself a Cuisinart Griddler, knife block and food scale for my birthday this weekend!
I don’t buy myself birthday presents, but I do give myself little gifts when I get a raise/bonus, do really well in a race, etc.
I always buy myself a birthday present, ha. It’s nice to have an excuse to make a purchase I’ve been putting off – this year will likely be bike accessories!
I don’t actually buy them for myself, but I do tell him what i want! the first couple years we were together I made the mistake of letting him surprise me, b/c I like surprises…well..that didn’t go so well, I ended up with gifts I didn’t need or like and would have ratherd have the cash for HA!
I always buy myself presents! I had wanted a netbook for a long time, but I got a Mac and love that!
That laptop is pretty impressive! Hope you enjoy the new netbook!
Hehe I always buy myself a birthday present! I hate waiting for the UPS man, it’s the worst!
I always make sure to buy myself something a little something special for my birthday or christmas… usually in the form of heels… preferrably Guess. Because I like to pretend I’m fabulous.
Sounds like you deserve that new notebook! I bought myself a 42 inch flat screen tv for my birthday last year! Best gift I ever bought myself!
I’m also turning 26 this year on June 5, so I’m celebrating by running my age. (My first marathon is May 9 and technically before I turn 26, but I’m counting it since year 25 is really my 26th year on earth, if you count year zero as year one … obviously, I’ve thought about this a lot, but I’ve got to fill all those long runs thinking about something!)
Hey — this works for you too Caitlin! Wasn’t your first marathon in January, so during your 26th year too? lol.
yup!
Yay for June 5th birthdays
what a great present! yes we just buy what we want….the moneys coming from the same place
DUH! Of course I buy myself birthday presents…lol. And sometimes I buy me “anyday that ends in “y”" presents. hehe
I thought about getting a netbook, but decided against it. The guy at BB told me some of them couldn’t even handle Flash heavy sites, so I got the smallest laptop I could find WITH a DCD player (the husband’s request). I got a Pavilion with Windows 7.
My birthday is coming up, and I’m planning on taking off of work, going to a yoga class, eating at my favorite restaurant, and maybe getting a pedicure. So yes, I like to treat myself on my birthday:).
This whole post is too funny to me! 1) I was just eating an arugula salad today and “oooh’ing” and “ahh-ing” over the peppery flavor and wondering why I don’t buy it more often. 2) My birthday is also in April and while I don’t buy myself presents, I proclaim exactly what I want. This year, it’s a Garmin from the boy and a griddle from my parents. I’m officially 95 years old!
My fiance gave me a Netbook for Christmas and it is the *best* present I have ever gotten! It takes a little getting used to because it’s so small but I can take it to school and to the library and all those places without it making my book bag weigh 1000 pounds. Enjoy yours! It is wonderful!
I just have to say, I love how you find the time to make interesting recipes, even when the meal is casual or you’re eating by yourself! That’s very inspiring to me. You do such a good job of not eating out too much and making home meals an occasion in their own right. Those sweet potato balls look awesome!
THANK YOU!
Yay presents! I do buy myself birthday presents and I honestly think it’s the best thing to do when you get older. Likewise, I don’t really “ask” for anything for my birthday and happily except money from my family to then buy whatever I’d like. It makes it easier for them and ensures a fun gift.
I prefer cashola so I can buy my own presents. Sometimes heavy hints just don’t work w/ The Lover! And you’re right – as you get older, birthdays are really not all that. I think I peaked at birthday fun when I hit 30.
I definitely buy myself birthday presents! Mine is next Tuesday and I’ve been thinking about how i’d like to “treat” myself
I buy myself Unbirthday prezzys! In lit. today we “analyzed a shoe” and wrote who would wear it and a story about that person. Shoes tell a lot!
I almost bought myself a new “lunchbox” today for my birthday, but managed to hold back – I feel so guilty! A computer is much more fun than a lunchbox
Hum hum, I usually “order” gifts, haha! Like telling my family and friends very loud and clear what I wish for, and then top my request with a cute smile :p
Off, that sounded a bit spoiled, didn’t it? At least it makes sure that the reciever becomes very happy for the gift, even though I know one should be happy for any gift. Haha, not a good sign : defending my habit!
My guinea pig did almost the same as Maggie btw. Do not ask why my guinea pig was walking around the computer
I don’t buy myself birthday presents but I am going to start…um…TODAY!!! (yes…today is my b-day!) haha!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Completely ghetto fab. I dropped my Macbook Pro after Fitbloggin and now it’s got some tape of it’s own. It’s sad.
I wish I could buy myself a present that cool. My birthday is coming up this month, so my present to myself? A new camera charger! Oh hurray!
Sometimes I buy myself presents just because. I know when I deserve something so I make sure to treat myself.
I will definitely be trying those flax encrusted sweet potato balls! mmm….
Good choice in Birthday gifts!
Way to go on the birthday gift! I broke down this year and bought myself a new laptop as well. Not as a birthday gift, though. But I really needed one as I was starting school again and my old one was sloooow.
I sometimes buy birthday gifts for myself. It’s not the norm but not something I shy away from either! If there’s something I want that I know only I can get, I’ll get it!
And I am DYING to try those sweet potato balls! If I have black beans I may make them tonight!
I love that recipe! ANything with sweet potatoes is a dream to me.
I have been eating them at least 4-5x a week now. I think I might have a problem.
I’m all about the early birthday gifts! Or what we like to call in this household “mutually beneficial” birthday gifts.
I buy something for the fiance that also happens to provide me a fantastic benefit! That’s where our GPS, tv, Wii Fit and many other gifts originated.
Oh my gosh, your laptop is CRACKING me up. Hilarious.
I was in NYC for a wedding all weekend, so I didn’t get a chance to comment, but I just wanted to say congrats on the race!! A new PR!
I don’t technically buy myself birthday presents, but I always return the gifts my hub gets me for other presents, so we probably should just cut out the middle man and start letting me by my presents for myself in the first place.
I usually do not buy birthday presents for myself, but two years ago I splurged and got botox (first and only time) and said to my husband that it was a gift to myself for my birthday. Other than that, I just give strong hints.
I too buy myself birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, and even Christmas gifts! That’s because I always want things that my husband has never even heard of. For instance for my 30th I bought a Garmin! I actually bought it about a month before my birthday so I could use it to train!
Questions about the sweet potato balls. I tried to make them once and they were an epic fail! I couldn’t get them to stick together and then roll in the ground flax. Any suggestions?
maybe try more salsa!
ooooh I just bought a netbook for the same reason! It is so light and will be perfect for travelling!
What!! Those sweet potato balls look amazing.
I was looking into getting a netbook a few months ago, and decided to go with a regular laptop because of so many bad reviews, from people online as well as people I know. I hope you have a good experience with yours, but I hear they are very basic and slow…
I’ve treated myself to a massage for my birthday the past two years and plan to keep that tradition going!
I always buy my own presents. I wanted a massage this year and I booked it myself and Hunni paid
No I like surprises. But my bf gets so excited about his birthday that he can’t decide what he wants as a gift. He never lets me surprise him.
That’s an impressive tape job
I am so making those sweet potato balls! Omg, I’m wayyyy too excited!
Hi Caitlin! I enjoyed reading your updated About Me section, but I think there’s one booboo…OB video in January 2010? That already passed : )
Those sweet potato balls look delicious! I just read the recipe and cannot wait to make them!
Your laptop looks like my old one…that’s why Mac’s chargers are great-their magnetic! Your salad looks delish!
I love suprise presents, but I have also treated myself to a birthday camera and this year a birthday Dell mini. Sometimes it’s the best opportunity to get what you need without guilt of spending money
I buy myself presents too – those are sometimes the best kind! Guess who else had flax-encrusted sweet potato balls for dinner tonight? This girl! Mmmm….
That’s what my husband’s laptop looked like when we decided that I needed my own! So I got a netbook,too! And I love it!
I also got my birthday present (a road bike) about a month and a half before my actual birthday! Happy early birthday!
April Birthdays REPRESENT!
a road bike is a sweet bday present!
My boyfriend has a netbook- he loves it, and I want one too!
I don’t buy myself presents, but I make it verrry clear what I want
xo
K
I buy myself a present occasionally as my birthday is Dec.23 and doesn’t always seem like a birthday so close to Xmas.
Do they (Flax-Encrusted Sweet Potato Balls) stay well overnight? Or is it best to prepare and eat the same day? Thanks
they keep well!
I have always loved my birthday and having a whole day about me! Wow, selfish much? lol
I guess I technically buy my own presents because I use my husband’s and my account to buy them and I pick them out online. Although they are always “from” my husband. =)
Yay for your early birthday present!! Yay!
looks delicious!
I have never thought to buy myself a birthday present – but that is a GREAT idea!! I am going to start!
I think I am buying myself a netbook for Christmas this year.
I was just talking to my husband about this yesterday. He said to go for it because it will be awesome for traveling and blogging.
I totally buy myself a present. My b-day was Saturday and I bought myself Lady Ga-Ga tickets for the Raleigh NC show in September!!