A Hostess cupcake with a match in it

I was prepared to spend Friday night in the comfort of my bed after a hearty meal of Chinese takeout and a shower. Never mind that it was my birthday and I had come straight home from a cakeless day at work. I was going to start out the year watching the Karate Kid with my roommate on the couch, and I was going to do it by choice.

One phone call from Westerdale and twenty minutes later two young ladies were sandwiching me for a birthday picture while an amused bartender poured me a drink.

Here's to friends.