I had a great birthday party last Friday evening with some of my best friends – ten good friends from work.

As I said, it was a great party, and not just because I conquered the world. The evening started out with “gourmet” pizza from a local pizza place and some non-work-related conversation. Then we started the games – half of the party gravitated toward the kitchen table, where a rousing game of Monopoly was played, and the other half to the card table, where an interesting game of Risk took place. Various snacks were available throughout the evening.

I'm told that James (a fellow developer) ended up the grand monopolist. I staked my claim in New Zealand early on in the game of Risk and played it safe until I was finally able to capitalize on an opportunity to conquer Asia, then North America, and then the rest of the world. A side game of Stratego was also played, won by John.

Thanks to all who came and made my birthday that much brighter. Thanks particularly to Julie, who planned the whole event and made sure that the available food was truly all-you-can-eat! A great start to my next decade of life.