Well, now I've been to two parties for my birthday. The first was the Queen's garden party at Holyrood, the second was in my mate Pauline's flat. I must say, I prefer the latter.

Let's be fair to 'er madge, she puts on a good spread. Cucumber sandwiches (with fresh mint leaves), lemonade so authentically lemony it tastes alcoholic, competing brass bands and a cool ruined abby with loads of interesting tombs. Not bad. But seriously, how can that - even with all the weirdly outfitted honour guards and failing-to-be-sneaky snipers on the roof - compare with David Bowie on the ipod speakers, lots of geek talk about Neil Gaiman, comics, art, writing, sci-fi, Edinburgh V Glasgow arguments and a table full of booze ,pringles and various dips. Not to mention the odd naked man in the flat across the road who invited us in to prove he wasn't gay, then offered us drugs. That's a memorable event it must be said. The only thing that slightly traumatised me was the mention of a certain Batman movie that should never be mentioned in my presence (bat-nipples my arse!) and the fact that many people there hadn't seen 'Silence of the Lambs' (you know who you are, watch it now! Or come to my house for the empty as I have it on DVD). It was a great night, and it proves I have a place I belong really. I'm not meant for formalities, I'm not meant to have to dress to impress (though I did look fabulous) or toe the line. I am a booze loving girl geek who is loud, dances like a fuckwit and will talk writing/art etc with anyone I can corner. The fact I've found people who will not only tolerate but reciprocate that behaviour is just great. It was a kick ass birthday party, ta muchly Lean-paw!