So, I made it to and through another birthday. All in all it was a good one. While getting older generally sucks it beats the hell out of the alternative. And so I would gladly settle for a couple dozen more.

Anyway, there was a little party in my honor at Dolce Vita on Sunday. I tend to want to keep these things low key, but this was really very nice. Mostly my dart league buds, and of course we had a little tournament. Which I managed to win after a shootout with Colin that went down to the wire in all three legs. YJ had some good food brought in and I think we all had a good time. I know I did. Thanks everyone!

Last year I partied with Duke and Ji Young. His birthday is the 25th. He’s back in the USA now, but I was surprised to get a text message from him wishing me well. Thanks, man! I also got a text from Ji Young signed “your best friends girlfriend”. Heh, she most of heard me singing that about it her one drunken night. Anyway, I wrote back and asked her how her visit to America went and she responded that Duke proposed and sent a picture with a big diamond on her finger. Congratulations, I am happy for you both!

Monday at work the staff took me out for lunch at the Navy Club. They have a nice menu with various American comfort food. I had the pot roast and mashed potatoes. Excellent as always. That afternoon a package from my daughter Renee arrived filled with her favorite DVDs. Perfect gift since I never know what to buy anymore. And they ain’t bootlegged so I can enjoy some quality viewing for a change.

Last night was dart league and I didn’t let an 11-8 defeat to Eberhardt of Scrooge Pub get me down. I played fair, taking 5 of 6 legs. Lonnie took an ’01 game from the top ranked player. Jim lost a heart breaker in cricket, and Rick just flat off his game. Also, Cuatro was not available because of the military exercise. So, with a little luck we will turn things around soon.

Wanna see pictures from my party? Ok, here they are:

The gracious host and Dolce Vita owner YJ.

Leora works with me. That’s her hubby Dave.

Me getting a birthday hug from Yoon Jung.

Some folks from work, Dave, Leora, Corine and Diane.

Joon was pretty generous with her hugs, here she puts a smile on Jim’s face.

Bill and Se Hwa.

Eric and his lovely wife.

Joon saved a hug for her hubby Bill.

My Canadian buddy Colin and his squeeze Mi Young. We all went out after the tourney Friday and ate some Korean food, went to the country bar and then the noreabang. I think we had fun but that night is still a little fuzzy for some reason…

A couple of Korean cuties, Joon and Se Hwa.

Holding court with Leora.

Some BBQ goodness courtesy of YJ.

Rick (L) and Grant (R). I’m going to Grant’s wedding Saturday.

Yep, I got the birthday song and blew out some candles. The tall ones represent 10 years each.

My “big sister” Corine.

Three on a couch. An interesting tidbit about Mi Young: She’s a firefighter. A pretty rare occupation for a female in Korea.

My bud Lonnie. I understand he had a lot to do with pulling the party off. Thanks man, I appreciate it.

And thanks to everyone for coming out and making the night special and also for the thoughtful gifts. It meant a lot to me. Kamsamnida!