Despite the fact that I generally keep my birthday a fairly well-hidden secret, it seems that some people just won't let it lie. It's not that I'm trying to keep my age a secret - I'm proud to say I was born in 1978, the Golden Age of Disco - I just tend to avoid the kerfuffle that goes with presents, parties and cards.

Having said that, I was still over the moon on Thursday night when my wonderful other half threw a mini surprise birthday party in a cool little cafe/bar called the Orblight Café (Note: I'm not saying Thursday was my birthday, Jenni just happened to be in the country then). Then, after getting over the surprise (and after the first Guinness), she presented me with what seems to have been several months in the planning: cards and birthday e-mails from practically everyone I know! Really, everyone!* There were all kinds: cards written in binary, cartoon cats, even a picture of me when I was 20 (although I look 14)

Thanks everybody. I'm now going off to listen to some Bee Gees.

*except Gary who seems to have completely disappeared. Seriously, e-mail me.