Tasks, Birthday Gifts and Bartending School

Like most couples, Mr. Mari and I divide our tasks - I cook, Mr. Mari does the laundry; I scoop the cat box, Mr. Mari replenishes the cat’s water fountain. The task of gifting falls to me. I enjoy thinking about the recipient and what they might like whereas it totally stresses Mr. Mari out. Typically, when it comes to my birthday Mr. Mari just flat out asks me what I want. Recently I've started sending him links throughout the year so he has things to choose from when birthday season rolls around. This year however, I just did my job.

Instead of getting Mr. Mari to buy me a fun, new (read fancy) pair of sunglasses (I do live in sunny Southern California now) I opted for a 40-hour bartending class taught by National Bartenders Bartending School - I found a coupon for over 50% off so how could I resist? Obviously I’ll learn how to make cocktails (they say over 200) but I’ll also learn about bartending: precise free pouring, substituting liquors, garnishes, as well as some business stuff like opening and closing procedures, service setup and breakdown, cutting off customers that had a few too many, etc. Sounds fun, right? No, I’m not planning on opening a bar or taking over another one of Mr. Mari’s tasks but if I ever decide to open a restaurant, these would definitely be useful skills to know. For now though, it’s just a fun gift for me. Thanks, Mr. Mari!

What would you gift yourself for your special day? 

(Image of Tom Cruise in Cocktail via Everything Action)