Posted 11:51 AM by John A. Seafisk

It was a weekend I needed. Very relaxing, very mellow. I just hung around the apartment.

After a few weeks of running myself ragged work-wise, it was nice to have a mini-break. Maybe part of the pleasant feeling was due to post-birthday euphoria.

It was my birthday on Friday. Everyone at work wished me a happy birthday, even people I hadn't talked to all week. I went for a birthday lunch which was surprisingly paid for. Nothing tastes as good as free food.

Then that evening I went with a big crowd to Buca di Beppo, an Italian family-style restaurant where the dishes are huge. There were around 20 of us in the Pope Room, a small room decorated with pictures & photos of various popes of the past. The food was good, and the presents were nice.

It was a nice feeling to have such a big turnout for a birthday. It feels good once in a while to have a sense of appreciation, to have folks come out in your honor. It's a great boost to one's self-worth.

And we could all use some boosting now and then.