Update: The Verizon technician still hadn't come by 1:00 p.m., so I picked up the phone to call and complain, and -- no dialtone. I was negotiating their online customer support system when the phone rang (!) and Barry from Verizon told me the line had been fixed. It was an outside problem. So . . . why did I wait at home all morning?

I'd had my heart set on going to the movies. Frida Kahlo and Eminem duked it out in a Celebrity Deathmatch in my head; it was close, but Eminem won, so we saw 8 Mile this afternoon. It's a simple story, nothing new. I was impatient at a couple points when I wanted to a) hurry to the predictable ending and b) hear the radio single from the movie, "Lose Yourself." The full song didn't play until the final scene and credits. Oh, and c) I agree with Sarah B. But overall it was well made and fun to watch.

The birthday zaniness concluded with Indian food at Aditi (free dessert!) and a bus ride home (the third and final of the day). Hello, adulthood.