This year I had a bit of an extended birthday, with gifts coming over the course of about 12 days. It started with Never Ending Story on DVD, and the Garbage CD from Dan on the 26th of May. I went to Disney California adventure with the boys and our friend Rene, who signed us in for free. I had birthday dinner at the Cheesecake Factory on Wednesday night. Then Thursday, The Rum Experience (a book) arrived also from Dan. Friday, I got my birthday present to myself, wireless access, all set up with Dan's help. I spent my birthday home with Gaetano and got cards and lottery tickets from the boys. ($13 in winners.)

Then came TODCON where I got a very cool t-shirt from Jay that you can see in the TODCON MX Vegas gallery. Jay also ordered a leopard print bag for my laptop which arrived yesterday. While at TODCON, I also received a set of Hawaiian novelty ice cubes from Danilo. (They're flowers and palm trees filled with water that you freeze and use as ice cubes.) Massimo gave me a box of chocolates that look like giant lady bugs. He says they're good luck. :-) At the end of TODCON, bottles of wine were given away to people nominated by the audience for one reason or another. I was stunned to hear my name that I don't recall why I was nominated! As you'll see in the gallery, I'm holding a bottle of Syrah, which I'm saving for a special occasion.

I really feel blessed and spoiled by all the above, and by all the warm wishes from friends for a Happy Birthday too. Thanks so much to all of you for making this (extended) birthday special.