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December 17th, 2002

It’s my birthday today.  I have become 41 years old. The day started like any ordinary day.  I woke up and heated the kitchen, prepared the bath and walked the dog. I didn’t feel special... then my family woke up and started saying ‘Happy Birthday’. It was nice. After a birthday breakfast of homemade Banana-Chokochip Muffins I went to work.  I was especially pleased when my students would say ‘Happy Birthday’ to me.  Some of my co-workers even remembered.  Three of my Nakajo High School students, Megumi and Yoko gave me little presents and Makoto bought me a Hot Cocoa.  In all fairness, I have to say that I did prep them a little by mentioning it the week before. But still, I was touched.

When I got home there was the familiar smell of Birthday in the air. Mary had made her famous (in Nakajo) Carrot Cake and the house had that wonderful fresh baked smell. Then while I played with the kids, Mary snuck off to get my present and got my present (a new Video Deck). For my party the kids wanted to make a Surprise Party for me so I played computer while they put it all together.  It was a good party except that there were so many candles that the cake looked like a flare.  After blowing them out we had to pick off the wax to eat it. (Not the wax, the cake)  After the party, Megumi (babysitter) cleaned up while Mary and I taught classes.

I got this birthday greeting from my Aunt Linda (the only relative in America to actually remember):

Are you 41??? Don and I had our 40th anniversary this year, and you were at
our wedding (kicking the pew in front of you with legs in casts). Therefore,
you must be 41 or 42.

Where are the best wishes from my dad, brothers, sister and mom... guess they were too busy.  Well, that’s OK... they have their own lives and it’s easy to forget someone who lives thousands of miles away. Just wait till christmas... hope I can remember to send them something nice.  NOT.

Update:  December 20th
Got this late email birthday message from my brother John:

okay, so I missed your birthday greetings by a couple of days. But it REALLY wasn't my fault. See, with the number of inspectors at work lately, and the things at the church for the kids(Pathfinders, Adventurers, the school musical, etc), and the LITTLE time I get to spend with my family, I thought about your birthday once on Tuesday, then forgot to call. SO...in the spirit of good brotherhood, I would like to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY with a gift certificate for $150 from Amazon.com.

I'd like to, but I can't. Happy Birthday anyways.

John (et al)

Update: December 22nd
Got an IM birthday greeting from my brother Phil (his wife’s chat name is lil hootchie 18)

Session Start (AIM - Japajim:lil hootchie18): Sun Dec 22 12:20:57 2002
Japajim: Are you ready for Christmas?
lil hootchie18: have to go to stare to get dip for chips brb and sorry happy birthday
Japajim: Later

Update: December 23rd:
Got this email birthday greeting from my son JC (in high school in America)

hi dad it's me j.c. i just wanted to say happy birthday, and a merry chrismas. Grandma sais hi so does the other temples.

well i got to go it's partty time... love jc