That was tons of fun, and very much worth it. =) I blocked off all
evening starting from 4:30 for Brian's birthday party, and I really
enjoyed hanging out with him and his other friends.

We ate at a fancy steakhouse. I didn't go for a full steak, opting
instead for a delicious chicken dish that made a light dinner. (Wise
choice, as I'd been eating all afternoon!) After dinner, we had
another party in Brian's suite. We played Apples to Apples, a
hilarious party game of strange comparisons. I got to meet a few new
people, too. I took plenty of pictures which I promise I'll edit and
upload by Wednesday, after my next major requirement is done.

Spending $20 on a single dinner is quite odd for me because I
sometimes think in terms of my starving-grad-student budget, but I
felt it was very much worth it. They're a great bunch of people. If
it's all right with my parents, I try to think of it as making the
most of the opportunities I have here to get to know people well. I
feel somewhat guilty about the fact that I'm not scrimping and trying
to stick to a strict budget. I hope it's like taking the first circus.
I won't be extravagant – eating out all the time or buying expensive
things – but I _do_ like the company of friends, and I'll spend for
that and for experiences. =)

A lot of fun was had by all, and a lot of good conversation too.