Today is, among other birthdays, the day of birth for Mark Chidgey. A good friend of mine for a while now, Chidgey (as he's most affectionately known) has played a very strong role in my past, and for that he will always have (without sounding completely soft) a special place in my heart. We first met at Uni, where we shared some similar interests, one of which being the great art of card playing. I remember once sitting up until about midnight playing cards with him and another friend, all of us procrastinating from doing our various assignments, due the next day. We came to the mutual decision that together we needed to bond to get our varied assignments in, so we made a pact to meet back at my room at 5am to continue the card game. Sure enough, we stayed up for a few more hours to do our Uni work, then continued on with the game as if we'd never stopped. When I moved out from the onsite Uni housing into "the real world" of shared house living, I did so with Mark (and Tilley and Morton). We got one of the cheapest, shittiest, weirdest houses in Box Hill South I'd say. When I was going through hard times with my girlfriend and living situation a few years later, Chidgey was the one who I played pool and drank beers with every afternoon. And a few years later, I moved back in with him and Pauly through 2 houses.

Mark is a very genuine person. He's a great friend to have, and someone you that you could call on, anytime, if you were in trouble. He holds a strong set of personal values. He's a very well read man as well (you should see his book collection). He's funny, good looking, and has a smile that covers his whole face. And he's easy going as well. He's definitely dedicated to his work, and doesn't suffer fools easily. Most of all though, Mark has a big heart.

So here's to you Chidgey - Happy 31st Birthday!