September 07

I'm very fortunate to have a circle of friends who, if a little peculiar at times, are really nice and thoughtful people.

My friend Marion decided this morning that I needed a surprise party, so she got together with the rest of this bunch to throw something together -- no mean feat on a Federal holiday, a day I was working, and in a public place. Her method was rather elegant; she invited me to dinner at the Prudential Center Food Court, a place we've gone several times.

Once there, while I was distracted ordering, she texted the rest of the miscreants, who were waiting on the outdoor terrace, to let them know my arrival was imminent. They lit up the candles and we were drawn to the right table by the flames billowing forth. The candles burned brightly, and as we were slightly delayed, they did a number on the cake itself (see above).

Still, it was a lovely party, and really a most marvelous surprise. Gay people often say that they're lucky, in that their friends are their family, and they get to choose that family. I'd point to today's surprise party as proof that the sentiment rings true.

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September 06

Today's my birthday! I turned ... one year older today.

It was a very low-key day, really. I went into town with Boyfriend today to get some cross trainers (my excuse for not going to the gym regularly is thus invalid), then went to my neighbor D'Anna's house for a Labor Day party. D'Anna surprised me with a birthday cake -- what a sweetheart she is!

It was actually a very low-key birthday, which is just what I needed. I considered inviting friends out for dinner, but decided at the last minute that what I really wanted was a day with no pressing obligations. Today was precisely that.

Maybe, for my next big milestone birthday, I'll have a party. Until then, today was just perfect.

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September 04

It's an interesting day that starts off at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and ends up with a steak dinner, cake, and two birthday cards.

My driver's license expires on my birthday this year, which happens to be Sunday. I should have been thinking about this all summer, but in my usual way, I delayed taking action until the last possible moment. Fortunately, for an RMV experience, it went well.

At work, my doorman and I have coincidentally close birthdays; Ennio's birthday is tomorrow and mine is Sunday. This combination of dates sticks in people's minds, so we were given dinner by one resident -- a delicious dinner, I might add -- and birthday cake from a second. (I had already put my camera away by the time the Boston Cream Pie from a third resident arrived.) There is a no-tipping policy at our workplace, but our residents treat us to dinner and desserts from time to time. It's really very thoughtful of them.

Today is the perfect day, really, and is going out on a high note.

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