Last night was a perfect birthday. There's not much to say about it except that I was surrounded by wonderful friends, who showed me, in many and surprising ways, that they cared about me. I spent time passing good food back and forth, pouring out wine for my friends, and being present. There were no problems, no worries. My birthday was (and is yet to be) a big, happy deal.

I didn't expect presents. I got presents. I didn't expect things to turn out the way I hoped. They turned out better. This, I believe, is a fine augur for my coming life as an adult in society. I feel as though light is pouring forth from my eyes. I feel as though by looking at things I embrace them.

Tonight I'll be bringing some other friends, and some of the same, to Lucky Chances. It's a card club in Daly City that's popular among Filipinos and Asians in the Bay Area. It's got kind of a mythic status among the A-A youth in the Bay Area; it's where everyone's parents go to gamble.

Card Club v. Casino: the house doesn't profit off the gambling. The players play against each other, not the house. Therefore it is legal in California (though it is skirting the line).

So they play variations of poker, blackjack, and I think mah-jong. They have a restaurant and dancing (unfortunately I won't be out on the floor). My parents are treating everybody, and my cousins and aunt are coming (I hope). Fun to be had. I like it when my parents get to meet my friends.

And then Saturday night, Noah will be having a big 'Find Your Valentine' party at his house. This has been long planned-for and largely invited, and I like Noah's parties. More fun to be had.

It's like a seven-days-and-seven-nights of festivities. The timing is just all right. The cockles of my heart are as glowing, undying embers.

Goodness in this world comes to me without all that much effort. I wonder why.

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teas:
-Hojicha
+Wenshan Baozhong (light Oolong)
+St. Dalfour Peppermint Ceylon (gift from Nat)

3:26 p.m. 2004-02-06�