So, if you read 'I Am' this morning, you saw my preliminary itinerary for the day. The bike ride disn't occur -- the heat index was close to 120 degrees, something quite unhealthy for myself and a young one. Destiny woke me up at 8:30 (we went for a late bike ride last night, and were both quite worn out) and it was she who requested the rummage-saleing in the morning. She was wise to do so -- she made the best haul. Two toy horses, a white-tiger Beanie Baby, a rubber bat (of ofe mammalian sort), and more books than she could carry. All I found was a $10 Macintosh, which may be parted out and sold in the near future. After garage sales, we went to KMart and bought me more clothes. Then, we went to an antique shop and bought a couple old glasses frames, in hopes of replacing my broken sunglasses (they didn't quite work; needs more tinkering). Home for lunch, and then we took our Saturday naps. Everyone's favorite Derekfan, Busmun, left me a wonderful message on my answering machine -- I regret being in the shower, not hearing the phone ring to actually speak to him, but now I have his message recorded for posterity. After my shower, we departed for Mexican food (Destiny's choice), and to KMart to return a mismarked item and buy some more clothes on sale. With a quick stop at the grocery store, we were on our way home.

So, my birthday was quite low-key, but very nice anyways. I got a email birthday cards from two of my 'admirers,' several other birthday cards from friends and relatives. No real gifts, however, except for a bed from my parents. This leans towards the real reason for a birthday: acknowledgement from the people who care about you. It's kinda amazing, this internet: I get panglobal birthday wishes, solely because I make myself accessible. Heck, I don't know what Abi looks or sounds like, but she felt it worthwhile to send me a card. That's another level to the added impact the internet gives people - not only are thoughts and ideas passed faster, but the internet is a meduim for new threads that tie people's lives together, across greater distances.

Oh, you hear busmun mention Carl Kassel being on my answering machine. This was the prize I won on "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me." I'll save you the long-distance call and let you have a listen!

Ah, a nice, laid-back yet fun- filled birthday! You appreciate those more and more as time passes! Glad to hear it was a good one!

--Tess , 6/30/2002 02:34:19