I think my most disappointing birthday was my 7th, when I dressed up as a flamenco dancer and cut open my cake only to find that the doll inside had no body. That was sad. In terms of disappointment, no birthday has come close. Since then, I’ve tried to keep expectations low to the ground. Today is my birthday, and every year, as a gift to myself, I tell strangers that’s it’s my birthday. Most people flash me a smile –– other people’s birthdays make us feel happy –– and some people even give me a hug. Or a free ride, in the case of a streetcar driver. I don’t make much of my birthday, in terms of parties and presents, but the smiles and embraces and well wishes from strangers (or virtual ones) are a thrill.