Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday America. And Happy Birthday to me. Having a birthday on Independence Day in America is really cool, as the whole country celebrates and there are fireworks and nearly everyone I know remembers it is my birthday. But in Japan, July 4th is just another day. The first birthday without fireworks. Despite this, I had a great one. I got not one, not two, but three birthday cakes! And multiple packages and good wishes from family and my friends both in Japan and elsewhere. So thanks to all for helping make my 24th birthday a happy and memorable one. I am blessed and thankful for each one of you.
This is one of two cakes from my office. The look on the two men (the right one is my supervisor) are very appropriate and makes me like this photo much better than if it was just me with the strange look on my face.

Hitomi is playing "Happy Birthday" for me.
A birthday dinner feast at the Fujinos!
A lovely and expensive music box from all of the Fujinos. It is beautiful.
Here I am with Hitomi and Akemi. Finally Hitomi has started smiling in photos with me. I'm making a little progress here.
Thanks to my family for all the goodies and new DVD.