Happy Birthday to Russell

There are five minutes left of Russell's birthday here in Japan, but since it is only 7am in Oregon I'm not going to worry if I'm a bit late.

Russell had a rather unfortunate birthday in some ways - namely getting food poisoning from a restaurant in Osaka yesterday when we went to get one of his birthday presents. He's okay now, but he spent most of the day less than happy.


On the other end of things, he is one lucky boy when it comes to all other aspects of the day. He managed to get three pretty sweet prizes for his birthday this year. A Play Station 3 console, the new Final Fantasy game (in Japanese, so the voice acting is excellent) AND a multi-effects stomp box for his guitar. The last gift probably shouldn't count since he gave it to himself as something he needs and wants for playing with his new band, but I'm tacking it on the list anyway.

Russell was a little sheepish that his stash was going to be posted online, but the way I see it, all he got for Christmas was a $10 takoyaki pan.

We run a little hot and cold in the 'ole gift giving department in this family. The way I see it, he should revel in the fact that he is making out like a bandit because it may not happen again for a very long time.

We also celebrated with a classic Japanese birthday cake. The standard white cake with strawberries on top is emblematic of birthdays in Japan. All the television shows, animation and movies show exactly this kind of cake. It seemed very important to follow tradition. It was tasty, too! All that "frosting" is actually whipped cream, so its not super sweet. Just right.

Happy Birthday, Russell!