Thanks to all for the well wishes!
My home computer kicked the bucket on my birthday due to a Windows problem otherwise I could have replied sooner to this thread.

(It’s all a conspiracy to make me buy Windows Vista, I tell you.) However, I still had my older laptop so I just needed to upgrade and install a Wireless PC Card this weekend to improve its range and efficiency. So far, it’s working out pretty well. However, I probably won’t be scanning or updating anything new for awhile, but, then again, I don’t update that often anyway as I pretty much like lurking in the background.
It was an interesting birthday to say the least as the family celebration started at 10:00 PM mainly because this was the only time all the members were able to attend. It was definitely worth the wait though as I opted for an ice cream cake…..although an avalanche cake would be a better name for that piece of culinary genius. I had the greatest time watching the frosting erode down the sides as my mom tried to keep it in one piece similar to one of those old “I Love Lucy” episodes. While my dad voiced encouragement from the sidelines, my sister was rushing around the house trying to find a camera to record the event for posterity. It was truly memorable. Unfortunately, none of us were brave enough to add the candles.
Speaking of bravery, normally I send out detailed e-mails to well wishers, but I thought that since its been an usual week that I might do something usual by saying my thanks instead via the thread, so here goes:
Many kudos go to Klet, Aernath, and Confusedmoogle for the outstanding birthday bunny wishes. Somehow, it just wouldn’t be a real birthday thread without the puffball wagging bunny dance.
I’m sure that Cloud would agree with that statement, although the elephant dance from Cordelia also added a bit of zing to the occasion.
Many thanks for the warm fuzzies, Syan. I’m happy that the Hotohori bid war hasn’t left any visible scars as we both know how much he prefers living at your establishment.
ACK, Sensei! You’re not allowed to make me blush.

I wish that I could be on-line more, but I have this tendency (*cough* compulsive nature) to overload my schedule even when I have time off. I haven’t forgotten any of the collectors that I’ve conversed with, nor would I ever forget one of the best CLAMP collectors (and college professors) in the world.
Finally, thanks so much for starting this thread Ralph! I actually did receive some very unusual and amusing gifts this year. I’m sure that your good wishes helped immensely.
And many thanks to all those other collectors out there (you know who you are) for making this an eventful and fun-filled year.
