This year I spent it limping. The day before this one I went hiking, and slipped, and sat down right on top of a spear-shape broken tree. A ruined pair of pants, a glass of blood, and barely covered dignity later I made it home and so far without seeing a doctor. I got a home made cheese cake from sis, a bottle of face wash(!), a few cards, and some warm wishes from oversea. Also went out to NJ for some on sale sashimi, which turned out to be (sort of) sham, but we got some anyway. And ate 'em. I like them raw and with nothing else.

It was right after the AFD opening last year, and I was still in Baltimore living alone, unemployed, pretty much depressed and being of no good. That day, I slept 'till noon, a best friend of mine called, all the way from China, where she's gone off to teach Ensligh, and left me a HB voice mail on my cell. Call me whatever you wish, but I still have that voice mail.

Two friends came into the studios, spots me, and squealed the usual birthday phrases. I asked how do they know I'd be here, particularly at this random hour of late dinner hour. One replies because I'm my good o' self and this is my studio, so they thought there'd be a good chance. ..... guess that makes sense, though it's a bit piteous I'd be doing work the night of my birthday instead of going to a nice place for nice dinner. Still, better now than later - the workload will only get worse the longer I wait.