it wasn't the worst birthday ever. did i say that? it was sad, but i had a childhood chockful of sad holidays and birthdays. usually the birthday just got quietly swallowed by xmus, and we got sweaters from dad and wife two and half sister got a mountain of presents making the tree look small. and we were made to abandon mom. like live property shuttled between mortal enemies. 
anyway why do i impose this stuff on the pointers.
the pointers gave me a gift card from 57th st. books. they really are so sweet, i feel guilty i got impatient with their antic joys today.