the day before my birthday and for once im actually quite well prepared (mentally) for it. I struggle a little with birthdays - its not really about the aging process, i struggled when i was a teenager. i suspect its to do with being the centre of attention without a particular function to perform (like lecturing for example). the fact that i am less concerned this year might reflect a greater degree of inner happiness; i am much more comfortable with myself at the moment. because my birthday is on a sunday i am celebrating it tonight )so heads can recover with a lie-in). im off to watch the mighty U's this afternoon then its drinks at mine before wandering down the road to the local balti house. im mixing up the travelers with a towcestrian; an ex and two old friends; a colleague and an ex- colleague. they don't all know each other well but they have all met. i like mixing up friends form different parts of my life; i know some people like to keep camps separate but i find it amusing to see how they all get on. so its an evening of people watching for me - with added red wine and curry (think i'll leave the cobra alone tonight, make more room for the food!)