Birthday!

I turned 25 today. I wasn't expecting a lot of fanfare. 21 was crazy, 22 was a sequel to the craziness, and 23 was a lot more relaxed. Everybody took me out for Tsushima Ramen last year for 24, which was a lot more my style. My birthday fell on a Monday this time, though, so I was fully expecting nothing to happen at all until the weekend (if then).

So I was pleasantly surprised when Joe called me and asked if I had plans for the night. He, Rose, and Gavin took me out to Border, an Italian restaurant in Izuhara. He even gave me presents! Having apparently noticed when I mentioned missing American breakfasts, he gave me pancake flour and real maple syrup from back home. Gavin gave me a nifty keychain from Oregon, which makes me want to drive to Seattle when I get back.

We spent the evening hanging out, catching up and sharing things we miss about home. Nobody got drunk, nobody passed out, and nobody had to be taken home in a cab. It was a perfectly relaxing birthday dinner.