Well, I’ve returned from my brief leave of absence from the internet. The reason behind my furlough lies in the fact that last Thursday was Judy’s birthday, and thus it was necessary that I dedicate my time to the preparation and implementation of a memorable birthday experience.

And, as would be expected, I failed miserably.

Okay, it wasn’t a total snafu; however, there was one particular mishap that threatened to derail the otherwise enjoyable evening. As we returned home to our neighborhood following a lovely dinner downtown, I led Judy into the confectionery across the street from the station from which I had days earlier ordered a decorated cake for the day’s festivities. I presented the sales clerk with my order receipt, and Judy and I then spent the next several minutes perusing the shop’s enticing delights while we waited. Eventually, the clerk returned with a slightly abashed countenance and timidly informed me that they had apparently forgotten to prepare the cake that I had ordered, thereupon shattering all of my lofty preconceptions about the reported unparalleled wonder that is the Japanese service industry.

I turned to Judy with apprehension to ascertain her reaction, however, as a testament to her fine character and graciously tolerant nature that reinforce the fact that she is clearly far too good a person to be engaged to a good-for-nothing galoot such as myself, she responded with neither disappointment nor displeasure, but rather with unfettered amusement. The shop clerk was unremittingly apologetic and, partially restoring my faith in the reputation of Japanese customer service, offered us a choice of any of the shop’s fine desserts — gratis.

Thus, Judy and I returned home and concluded our celebration of her birth in a somewhat smaller, yet in no way diminished, fashion.

Note to self: Avoid posting when in a literary frame of mind and severely sleep deprived to boot.