i went to lunch with my dad's sister and my dad's mother, AKA my aunt and grandmother. i haven't seen them in awhile so i thought i'd just go over and catch up a little. plus, last time i saw them i told them about my south america trip but forgot to give them a present. i brought it this time. then they said they'd like to go to lunch. i had completely forgotten about my birthday and that this might be some birthday lunch ploy until the very end of the meal when a slice of cake was brought to me and the waitress sang happy birthday in italian. why italian? we were at the macaroni grill, i know i know, totally not vegan. it was my first time there. but if you make your own pasta, i believe it's vegan. i didn't ask to see the ingredients for the noodles but i think it was safe because i had whole wheat noodles with a tomato basil sauce, some veggies on it and pine nuts, and most importantly, there's no cheese unless you ask for it. my creation was pretty good. the macaroni grill is a funny place because you can learn italian in the restroom! i swear it's true. instead of music, they have a recording where they say phrases in english and italian. before i go on a trip to italy, i know where i'll be hanging out: the bathroom at the macaroni grill! that or just watch a lot of classic italian movies starring isa miranda if i visit milan or anna magnani if i visit rome.

my grandmother is going to see the world next year. she booked herself on a round the world cruise. very nice. i'm glad she finally gets to see some places she has always wanted to see like australia and new zealand. due to her age, i think a cruise really is the best option because it's like a travelling hotel and you can pick day excursions in the cities where they stop at. it's like getting a sampler platter at a restaurant. she had told me recently that she was going on this cruise so that was my other reason for stopping by because i wanted to know more about it. she's going to so many amazing places, it's wonderful! but most of all, i just can't picture my white grandmother in japan. my japanese grandmother has been to america and now it will be vice versa. what's more, my grandmother is going to a city in japan that i've never been to. awesome!