I've been too busy! Or perhaps I just haven't wanted to gaze on anything except Eriko while she's been here, afraid she might dissappear. ;P She arrived on Tuesday and it only took an hour or two before it felt as if we had never been apart. The RAV4 had a nice clean paper floor mat, courtesy of pop, and she liked that. She brought many nice gifts for the family -- shirts, snacks, and some uniquely Japanese artwork that her mother had picked out.

what was supposed to be a nice, easy, tourist-capable hike turned into a grueling 7 hour adventure. somehow we all managed to get lost and climbed the mountain from the wrong direction. but now, its over. whew

I did not control myself last night and had too much beer. Now I am suffering. Ugh. Luckily I have finished about 80% of my packing and 80% of the work tasks I need to get done before I leave so I can be 20% of my self today. Ugh. i am useless

rocked! Maybe I’ll watch gone with the wind tonight? Or another, perhaps. It was real nice of Aaron to lend David and I these movies. This means I don’t get “anything” done in the evening, but I’m just trying to pass the time until vacation.. ;P

My buddy Aaron offered to take me out to dinner – and I suggested Outback Steakhouse. Its certainly not the steak that I can get at home, but its not bad. We were joined by Carol, Joe, Lisa, Kaya, and David. I had a real nice time. It was interesting for me to note that I was celebrating with a bunch of people that I barely knew (actually, I didn’t know anyone of the bunch except for David) a year ago.

I wasn’t up late but that doesn’t stop me from being sleepy this morning. I had a good birthday. Slept in, laying awake wondering if I would hear from Eriko. Then I got up, drank some coffee, and then laid on the couch, reading a little Satre and daydreaming/thinking (usually about Eriko). Finally about eleven David woke up and we headed out to Seattle’ seafair. Nothing was happening, although we could see the Blue Angels flying about along with a C-130.