A Beautiful Mind...

The end of the week's classes came and went. After film, I went over to Lenka's having started watching 'A Beautiful Mind' earlier in the day. I started from the start with Will and Lenka, and I can say that it has soared into my top ten films list. Being one of those movies I have been meaning to see for a ridiculously long time, I finally decided to watch it - a habit I hope to continue when I have the free time. 

Before dinner I had a short Relay sub-committee meeting to discuss orders and pricing for our upcoming event and then joined everyone else in Hodson. 

Earlier in the day, Will and I had discussed going to watch a film this evening, and at dinner we decided to see 'The Lego Movie'. As much as I love Lego, I had been skeptical about the film, but it was hilarious, very clever and creative with throwbacks to lots of other classic films integrated and, of course, some classic characters. 

The rest of the night was spent relaxing at KC, where I opened up some snacks. This I realise, relates back to a previous anecdote that I had neglected to mention. When we were buying food before Birthday Ball last weekend, there was a troop of girl scouts selling cookies outside of the store. Buying girl scout cookies is just one of those American cliches that I couldn't pass up. So, I bought two boxes from them and crossed off another life experience. Anyway, it was these cookies that we were eating tonight. The others finished the second half of 'Wolf On Wall Street' - I now need to watch the first half, and then drifted into watching daft Youtube videos before we caught the shuttle back to campus. 

Hitting The Hunger...

I continued pushing through the workload today in an attempt to compensate for the week away over Spring Break, which is fast approaching.

To start the day, however, Will and I convened in the dining hall for breakfast and then went over the road to the barber's for our first haircuts of the spring semester. I went back for a second shower, feeling itchy, and then went up to the dining hall once more to do some reading for an upcoming discussion class before lunch. 

I stayed up there until Miller's class, after which I went to the library. I read the article Miller had handed out for next week to get it out of the way - who knew you could talk so much about pigs in early interactions between colonists and Native Americans? I also printed off my film essay to be handed in tomorrow on screwball comedies (basically a man and a woman who don't get on and appear wrong for each other, end up falling in love and living happily ever after). After finishing up with some Relay detailing, I went to Worcester to change for the gym.

Today's workout was by far the easiest yet - as in I did the same amount of work, but did not tire anywhere near as much. Nevertheless, it was still sweaty work and going to the dining hall I realised one thing that I hadn't fully comprehended. Now that I've actually started exercising, I am getting hungry far more quickly and blood sugar drops in class are leaving me feel pretty drowsy. So, at dinner I ate several platefuls to fill the void, and feeling much better, went back for the third shower of the day - damp towel :( 

This evening I went to Lenka's where she was essay writing and I did some book work to relax after a long, but productive day. 

Chilling In Chester...

This morning I got up earlier than usual to submit my halls for next year, which I think I will find out some time in March. Having not yet lived in Founders (the old house) I chose that for my first and second choice - because I'm a returning senior I also get a fifth floor room which means a potentially good view, and space away from those pesky Freshers.

After first class I did a couple of posters for Relay and then re-joined Will and Lenka for Civil War class. The three of us then went to lunch and onto film class to finish the day. All of us were excited to watch 'LA Confidential' - I because it is one of my favourite films and the others because I hyped it up a fair bit for them. 

Back in Worcester, I watched the tenth episode of 'House of Cards', so I'm coming to the end of the first season and I can't wait to watch the finale. Then, I went to dinner and ate before Relay. 

I went to the meeting at 8:30pm to drop off my posters and get details for the upcoming events in the final run-up before the event itself. After the meeting I joined Will in Chester and after some indecision, we decided to watch 'American History X' from IMDb's top 250 films list - a film that neither of us had watched. The film began pretty darkly with the neo-Nazi theme, but its final message was positive with a dramatic ending. 

Cover To Cover...

Today was a pretty stagnant day. I had an early breakfast and then spent six hours in the dining hall reading a book for 'Comparative Cultural Encounters' cover to cover before class. This is a major help with much reading still to do for an upcoming discussion class with Striner. 

After class I did an hour stint on the Relay table in Hodson and then hour in the gym to compensate for my otherwise sedentary day. I played a bit of piano after dinner, whilst the others went to MMA. 

This evening I relaxed in Worcester watching 'House of Cards' and preparing for choosing my halls back home next year. I will be getting up earlier than usual in order to submit when the application process opens, compensating for the time difference. That, and submitting my courses the other day, the overlap for the next academic year is already starting - not that I will allow it to runaway with this semester. 

Back To Work And Working Out...

Today was another standard Monday, without sounding too boring - not everyday can be brimming with exciting events, especially following this weekend. I spent some time mentally planning out how I will go about the high volume of reading that is quickly taking the place of essays in the upcoming weeks. 

After classes, lots of us did return to the gym after several days away drinking, eating cake and lazing around. Even though I pushed myself a bit further today with speed and incline on the run, I certainly felt the past few inactive days. However, after the run and sit ups, I feel limber once more and will no doubt be in a better condition tomorrow. 

This evening, I showered after dinner and then went over to relax at Lenka's, where people did some reading, writing papers and I did some writing myself - the fun kind. 

Birthday Number Two...

Today was a perfectly lazy day in yet more warm sunshine. I drifted from brunch to the piano, to writing and then watching 'House of Cards' before going up to meet Will, Lenka and Shannon for dinner. 

This evening we celebrated our second birthday in two days - Happy Birthday Kristine!!! Our French companions treated us to a chicken and mushroom risotto with stuffed courgette. To follow up we had chocolate cake and a good old-fashioned sing song. It was an all round great end to the week, relaxing with good friends and fine food.

Birthday Ball...

Yesterday was a red letter day in the calender, with the much anticipated Harry Potter themed Birthday Ball for our founder and First President of the United States, George Washington. 

After brunch I packed up my formal clothes for that evening and loaded them into Shannon's car. We picked up Will and Lenka and did some shopping. Will and I decided to do our own pizzas for the evening whilst the girls were getting ready, so that we could eat at KC rather than trek back and forth to the dining hall. We also did a liquor store run and had to walk back to campus anyway  because I forgot my shirt and Will forgot to print off his ticket. All in all, I certainly got my steps in running around. 

We cooked, changed and had a few drinks before going over to the German suite in Chester (photos to come). From there we made our way over to the ball itself. Everyone had a lot of fun, I certainly did. A massive thank you to everyone in the SEB and all the other departments who have worked tirelessly to pull it all together. 

When everything came to a close we joined the throng walk/staggering/piggy-backing towards the dining hall for some food. The queues, as expected were horrendously long, but what kind of an Englishman would I be if I didn't join it without complaint or making no attempt to talk with the people around me? So, I spent a silent half and hour or so getting some food then returning to join the others. We ate and chatted for a while as the place quietened down before turning in for the night. 

Monuments Men...

Yesterday was a shorter Friday of classes because of Convocation, which from I can gather is some kind of upper end award ceremony. Anyway, we didn't have our discussion class at 2:30pm, so lunch marked the end of the day. 

Lenka, Will and I went over to KC B to chill out, meaning that I wrote and they slept for a couple of hours. I came back to campus and did some more writing until Sean text me to see if I wanted to do some accompanying on the piano for his singing practice. Naturally I said yes, so went down to the pianos, which are becoming a bit of a home away from home at the moment. We practiced until it was time for dinner, and so headed up to the dining hall. 

On a spur of the moment we went to the cinema to watch the 'Lego Movie'. Arriving there we found that it was already a good chunk of the way through, so we decided on 'Monuments Men' instead. We came out with mixed reviews, but I liked it a lot. 

Sean and I went to buy some drinks and then hung out in Chester for the night, playing on the Xbox and putting on a film. Both of us fell asleep during it, so at 2:30am I wandered back to Worcester for my much welcome bed.

Katri Returns...

Today I headed up to the dining hall for an earlier breakfast so that I could start writing the essay at 8:30am, knowing that I would need all the time I could get if I was to finish before class at 2:30pm. Well, to cut a long story short I managed to print off a first draft to give it to Miller. 

The big hype of the day was that Katri surprised us all by returning on vacation earlier than we had anticipated. So, I had chance to catch up with her over lunch and then meet up again at the gym after class. We had dinner and then I showered, changed and took the shuttle over to KC B. 

I did a bit of writing whilst some people did work and the others came over who were having some drinks before going out to the Fish Whistle. I stayed in, holding out on drinks until at least tomorrow and then Birthday Ball.   

The 150th Post...

The 150th blog post comes from a much warmer Maryland. Warmer, but not drier, as I found sprinting (because I do that now) across from the library back to Worcester after doing some printing post-breakfast. The printing in question was some new music that Will was looking for me to play, so I went down to the piano to begin learning it before first class. I should say that the song was 'The Scientist' by Coldplay, which I think I've got down.

Classes were casual throughout the morning. After lunch we finished the day with our next Film Noir, 'Chinatown'. The end was pretty depressive as Striner said it would be. I won't give away any details because it was a great film and I urge you to watch it for yourselves - a young Jack Nicholson in a good guy role. 

The film was over two hours though and with some talk afterwards we ran right up to the 5:00pm deadline. So, Will and I went back to our dorms and changed for the gym straight away. It was boiling in their today as the fans weren't turned on. So, I only ran 3km, but I notched up the speed to keep pushing myself - not too hard, however. The last thing I want is to tear something and ruin my chances of doing the colour run. That, and taking out on my medical insurance. 

Anyway, afterwards we went to dinner and then Shannon and I went over to Sassafras lounge to have Relay meetings. We finished up, you guessed it...at KC B. 

A Blank Schedule...

Today I had the pleasant surprise of realising that the one class for the day had been cancelled, a detail that I had forgotten until I was half way through my omelette. This meant that I had all day to watch a second documentary for Miller's class, this on the Inca Rebellion, and plan Miller's first paper based on the reading of the Spanish conquest of the Aztec. Both tasks had been carried out shortly after lunch time, which meant that I had the afternoon to do with as I wished. 

So, I played the piano for a while and then donned my gold-plated gym shorts for the day's exercise. Having originally intended to go to the gym every couple of days or so, I have decided on going every day to ensure that I maintain the routine. It also means that I can more easily afford to miss busier days, such as this Saturday with the Birthday Ball. I ran 5km, cycled and intense 8km, and then finished with 100 sit ups - by far the most exhausting work out so far, and, therefore, the most satisfying. I already feel more energetic just walking around campus.

I gave myself plenty of time to get back to Worcester and shower, instead of going straight to the dining hall and making for pungent company. I also watched half of the fifth episode of 'House of Cards' before going up for food. From the dining hall we went over to KC B and watched the next episode of 'Black Sails' - keeping up with both of my current shows. Arriving back to Worcester earlier than usual, I watched the remaining half of 'House of Cards', before resting up my well worked legs. 

Proper Piano Playing...

Yesterday I spent some time at the piano trying to get back into reading the music for both hands, rather than simply playing around on it. I've started off with 'Say Something' by 'A Great Big World' as it is slow enough for me to get the hang of the chords. 

After class I went back to Worcester for a short while to Skype home as it was Dad's birthday. So, we opened presents with me on the PC and Tom over Facetime. Then, I joined Will at the gym for three quarters of an hour before dinner. After cutting out at 2.2 miles last run I happily continued through for another mile, which is the equivalent of the 5km in April. When the weather gets more predictable, after a touch more snow last night, I will start running outside. 

Whilst the others went to beat each other up at MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), I returned to the piano for a while. Walking back through Hodson I caught Will getting a sandwich. I sat with him and then went over to Chester to hang out in his room. Sean came back from class and then, like good college students, we sat playing Xbox until 1:30am. 

Mental and Physical Workout...

Today was a far more productive end to the week. After brunch, whilst everyone but Sean went to the Christiana Mall to do some shopping for Birthday Ball, I headed to the library to finish some reading. So, I didn't get up for around three hours, finishing the last hundred pages of the book for Miller's first essay on the Spanish conquest of Yucatan and the Maya. 

Finishing by mid-afternoon, I went back to Worcester and changed for the gym, where I spent an hour and a half. I did ten miles on the bike at a reasonably high level to keep strengthening my legs for thirty minutes. Giving them a rest, I moved onto a hundred sit ups to help gain some degree of upper body strength, and then an uphill mile walk on the treadmill to ease all the burning muscles - not forgetting to stretch at the end so as not to wake up tomorrow too painfully. 

Hungry and not sure when the others would be back to do family dinner, I had a healthy snack at the dining hall to keep me going. 

Feeling like I deserved a reward for my day of mental and physical workout, I watched the fourth episode of 'House of Cards' and chilled out until Sean was finished with work at 8:00pm, at which point we went over to Lenka's. 

A huge thank you to Wilson for cooking this week, treating us to a beef and noodle stir fry, which was excellent. I'm taking up the baton next Sunday, so I need to start flicking through my mental cookbook to try and keep up with the high standard of cooking. After food we watched the second episode of 'Black Sails' and relaxed until it was time to part ways for the night whilst the KC Shuttle was still running. 

Quidditch...

Saturday was a day of very little college work done. Actually, no college work done. After brunch, Shannon and I went over to the Cain Athletic Center and started setting up Quidditch. After our initial nervousness about having enough people to play, we had a great turnout of kids from the local area who were all experts at playing. It turned out to be a really fun afternoon and we made a decent amount of money for Relay. We were going to go to the gym afterwards, but with all the running around we did there seemed little point.

Meeting up with Lenka, Will and Danny at KC B, we decided to eat out for a change. So, returning to our respective halls to shower and look more presentable, we regrouped and headed down to the Fish Whistle. The food was great as was the change of scenery. We returned to B for a while to watch TV, deciding what to do with our evening. 

Eventually, Ester gave us the answer with an invite to her room in Carroll on the Western Shore. We had a few drinks before catching Safe Ride up to O'Connors. The pub was decently full, hitting the right point of loud enough to have atmosphere, but quiet enough to hold a conversation. After waiting an insanely long time to be picked up from the pub in the freezing early hours, we returned back to campus and turned in. 

The First Run...

Yesterday was the first essay hand in of the semester, and for the second time this term I went into the library and practically opened the place up to print it off, as none of the staff could make it in on time. 

In between first and second class I took a thank you card down to Cheryl and David's for all they did for my birthday - very late I admit. Nevertheless, I went and spent the time between classes chatting with them both over a mug of tea and Cheryl's amazing baking. 

The day ended routinely, then Sean drove Will and I over to the shops - they need some food/drink and I went over to buy some shorter shorts for the gym as my current pair were too long to run in. We went back to Sean's for a while and then I went to break in my new sports wear. I ran for just over two miles, which I didn't think was too pathetic for my first attempt. I then briskly walked the rest of the three miles, which is what the colour run will be. 

After dinner we came over to Lenka's to chill out - a fort was built. 

Red Velvet Cupcakes...

In the end college did close today, with very limited services being offered at the dining hall and the fitness centre as staff struggled to get onto campus. What with the continual freezing cold and snow here, 100ft waves and widespread flooding at home, and huge forest fires in Australia, the weather seems to be all we're talking about at the moment - it feels slightly 'day after tomorrow'.

Anyway, it was a free day nonetheless. I got up as usual, expecting the dining hall to be open at 8:30am as I was told yesterday. But, due to the weather breakfast wasn't being served until 10:30am, so I slid across campus in driving wind and rain to the library. The doors were open so I went inside and flicked on the lights. I watched as much of a documentary for Miller's class as I could before breakfast, contending with endless buffering. 


We stayed in the dining hall, deciding what to do with our free day. I went to the piano  and finalised some details on the essay due tomorrow. Then I headed over to Lenka's to hang out and do some writing in the warm with a mug of tea. 

Shannon and Danny decided to do some baking, so they made some red velvet cupcakes that are amazing. Although, after hearing what went into the frosting you can only afford to have one a day. Needing some healthy nourishment, Shannon, Danny and I drove over to the dining hall in driving rain whilst Lenka and Will kept writing their essays. 

We returned to B and spent the evening writing and watching TV in the warm. 

Relighting Some Inspiration...

Today I spent some time returning to an old writing project and playing the piano in between classes. I also reviewed a couple of essays and posted another some letters. So, all in all a productive enough day. 

This evening Shannon and I went to the Relay meeting and sorted out some details on the Quidditch Match and other events coming up next month. Back in Worcester I spent the evening writing and watching the third episode of 'House of Cards'. 

The big question on everyone's mind is, with snow flurrying outside, will there be a snow day tomorrow? Only time will tell, readers. Only time will tell...

So, I Like Gym Now...

You'll all be glad to hear that the shower situation has resolved itself over the past couple of days, and normality has returned. 

Yesterday I spent the morning in the dining hall with my laptop as I did last week. The result of nearly six hours work was a near complete essay. Lenka and I went to class after lunch only to sit for a few minutes watching the assigned video buffer and freeze. So, the wifi failing us, class was dismissed and we returned to the dining hall to re-join Wilson and finish our work. 

The big news of the day was that at 5:15pm I did the one thing I thought and said I would never do. So, I like gym now...cuz that's like my life now *flicks head to one side*. But in all seriousness, I decided that I would go in for the Colour Run with everyone else, so I need to actually work on running - or at least jogging 5km.

After the gym, we had dinner and then whilst I lent my laptop to Lenka and Shannon to watch a French romcom in East Hall basement, I went over to Chester to play the Xbox with Sean and Will.  

A Shower, At This Hour?...

The snow stuck around today and the temperature continued to drop below zero. The day started unusually with someone deciding that for the first time in six months they would use the shower I use every morning at 7:30am. Taken aback by this sudden interruption to the status quo, I marched out of the bathroom, almost de-toweling myself as I slipped on the only wet spot in the corridor - luckily there was only one other person around and I think I saved the situation. Forming a contingency plan, I went to one of the other showers for a less pleasant start to the day. The cubicle may have just been big enough to swing a hamster in and aside from getting cramp from trying to dry off, it went ok. Now, I'm nothing but flexible when it comes to routines. So, tomorrow I shall get up a bit earlier and jump in the big shower to stop this new routine dead before it has a chance to start. 

After the initial disturbance, I had a productive morning posting some cards, collecting mail, and printing the first draft of an essay, along with my Birthday Ball ticket. 

After first class Lenka came back to Worcester to nap, whilst I sorted out some things before a Civil War documentary in second class. We had lunch and then continue our watching experience with the first film noir of the genre. 

I went over to the library to finish the day's work, where I had the nice surprise of meeting up with Marcela for a while. Shannon joined us and from there we went to dinner. After a text from Lenka I walked over a sandwich, literally to her bedside because I'm such a nice guy, then we watched the first episode of 'Black Sails' - we both approved. I went back to campus to help Sean put up flyers for the Quidditch Tournament on the dorm room doors and then returned to B to collect my things.

Studying At Sean's...

Today was far more work orientated - after a lie in and some brunch. I went over to Chester with Sean and did some reading for an essay. Will joined us and gradually the rate of work dropped and the mindless internet clip watching increased. Whether there was a correlation with Will's presence and our productivity dropping, I can't say. 

I went back to Worcester for a while to speak with the parents and then I went onto the dining hall for a snack to keep going before family dinner, as the snow set in. Sean left us to do some more work, so Will and I walked over to KC B where Lenka and Danny started cooking carbonara - thanks guys! We chilled out with Shannon, Shana and Ester too, and ate with the Olympics in the background. 

A Green Jacket...

Today started as any Saturday, a late wake with brunch to follow, hoping the fried food did something towards absorbing the joys of the previous night. 

But, at 1:00pm Sean picked up, Lenka, Will and I, and we drove out to DC for some clothes shopping towards Birthday Ball. After much browsing we finally found Will most of his attire. I myself picked up the blue tie I was looking for to go with my Ravenclaw themed colour co-ordination, and I also bought somewhat of a luxury piece for myself. It isn't often that I just buy clothes for myself and the past two times have been with Sean and included green clothing - I think he might be a bad influence, although I did encourage him to buy something for himself. So, the new addition to my wardrobe is a green jacket that will go perfectly for smart casual events and a summer jacket. 

After eating we went to Maggiano's, Sean having made a reservation earlier in the day. Following our classy clothes, we at classy Italian, which reminded me a lot of Carmine's, where we went for Thanksgiving. We decided that watching a film as well would push us getting back too late, so we made a briefish trip into the city centre to give Will a taste of the capital's monuments. 

Arriving back at campus, Sean dropped the three of us off at B, where we watched 'Warm Bodies'. I'm not a zombie person at all, but I thought that it was an interesting twist on what I see to be a somewhat overused apocalyptic template. Anyway, back in Worcester now I've hung up the new clothing and I'm psyching myself up for actually doing some work tomorrow. 

Sam's, JR's, O'Connor's...

I won't bore with the regular routine of a Friday, as everyone struggles into the weekend and a much needed rest. Although, after some persuasion from several people, I finally watched the first couple of episodes of 'House of Cards' and I'm instantly hooked. Most importantly, yesterday was the first 'First Friday' of the semester, so we went down into town after dinner. We managed to squeeze into a table at Sam's where \ country band played some feet stomping tunes. From Sam's we went down the road to JR's, where we had some drinks and met up with others down in the piano bar. From the bar we caught safe ride up to O'Connors and spent the rest of the night there, after a pretty successful tour of the town's watering holes. 

Trainspotting...

Today I followed Tuesday's routine of taking my work up to the dining hall. I left briefly to check-in at the GEO for the Spring semester, and then returned start pointing some initial ideas down for an essay. 

After class, I came back to Worcester to do laundry, so I have a fresh bed tonight, which is always a bonus! Lenka came by to have a nap, as is her custom, and then we headed up to dinner. Fish and proper chips was a nice surprise tonight. 

This evening, we went to B and flicked on some of the winter Olympics whilst we decided what film we were going to watch. After much debating and false starts, we settled on Trainspotting, which admittedly wasn't the upbeat addition to our watching schedule that we had planned. But, in my opinion it was a very good film - I did have to strain to hear some of it at times over the groans and squeals of the others. Either way, it's another classic ticked off the list.  

David & Deirdre's...

Today was the usual Wednesday routine, finishing off with 'Enchanted' as our final Screwball Comedy of the semester. I also spent some time at the piano where I'm working on a couple of new tunes. 

Outside of classes, which ran as usual, the major highlight of today was going to David and Deirdre's this evening. I took Sean, Ellie and Danny with me, but Marcela and Tony from Enactus were also in attendance, as well as Ki, the second host student. So, a full table. As usual it was great to see them both, Joan and the ever adorable animals. The food was superb, the wine excellent, and the company charming. It is a constant treat to be invited, and I feel very lucky to have such a willing and hospitable host family. 

Adventure Time...

Today was spent predominantly in the dining hall, as I took my laptop up with me at breakfast. I wrote my essay, taking advantage of the free drink - I don't know why I haven't thought to do it before. It also meant that I had chance to see everyone at some point as they came and went for food. 

I had made a lunch date with Marcela at 1:00pm so broke from work to have lunch. We ate and then hung around talking until class with Miller at 2:30pm. After class I went to the library to finish the essay and then Lenka and I went for an earlier dinner. 

This evening we went to KC B where Will continued to show us one of the most bizarre cartoons I've ever seen - 'Adventure Time'. But, despite it looking like what I imagine an acid trip to be, I find myself laughing and strangely hooked on it. 

Legally Drinkable!...

So today was the big day - the 21st birthday, when I can legally drink and have a good time in America. I'll take the opportunity to say that the past months in the US without a single drop of alcohol have been hard, but I think I handled myself with dignity on all occasions.

Today passed as usual, with nice downpour or two to make sure that my birthday wasn't completely devoid of British tradition. After classes, we had dinner and made plans for this evening. I did get chance to speak with Tom and the folks too, for which I was glad.

We socialised the night away at JR's, where I was finally able to buy a true drink off Jeff behind the bar. I did serenade people a couple of times with some piano down in the comfy chairs, which, whether it was enjoyed or not, was good to play in front of people. 

Pre-Birthday Weekend...

I hadn't really registered it, but I was informed today that the blog has fallen silent for the past few days. So, a catch up on a pre-birthday weekend. 

Friday rounded off the week of classes and then we spent a quiet evening at KC B, relaxing with the girls and hearing about their things for the sorority events this passed week.

We spent most of Saturday prepping for the Relay For Life Quidditch Tournament. Sean, Morgan and I drove out to Home Depot to get things for the brooms and then on to Walmart for some Potter related snacks. Sufficed to say, it was definitely the most unhealthy day of my life for a long time. After a fried brunch, we had Chick-fil-a for lunch and then I had a burger and fries from the cove in the evening. We then had drinks at Lenka's before heading out to O'Connors.

This morning I realised that a six pack and three fried meals made for a very tender feeling indeed. So, I had a much smaller brunch today. I did some reading in the library for Tuesday and then we went to the grocery store for Superbowl supplies. We set things up at KC B and then relaxed the evening away with the football. It wasn't the most exciting game, but I was rooting for the Seahawks, so I was pleased with the result. A huge thank you to Cheryl and David for supplying me with a chocolate birthday cake capable of feeding over twenty of us with some left over.