some birthday ideas:

DISNEYLAND
this is easy. i can take the bus, so i won't have to pay for parking. i'll be there when the gate opens until it closes. i'm thinking either friday or saturday of thanksgiving weekend. approximate cost is $200 to $300.

NORCAL
maybe i'll fly out on friday, then fly back home on sunday. i'll probably stay at a hostel to keep the cost down. clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. i'll also look for that doughnut shop that sells bacon-maple doughnuts. will $500 be enough?

PISMO BEACH
one-day trip. drive up friday or saturday morning, and come back in the afternoon. get some awesome, awesome clam chowder. maybe get some saltwater taffy too. estimated cost is less than $200.

IPHONE
upgrade myself to an iphone. hopefully the white version will be available by then. in the $300 range.

VEGAS
spend one night in vegas. no drinking, no partying. dedicate a full day to shopping. i'll try to keep it at or below $500.

BLACK FRIDAY
go to best buy and get a netbook. or a crap load of dvds. or a DS. can't go above $350, if a choose a netbook.

DITCH WORK
not go to work on my actual birthday. lay in bed and not move for half a day. then go out for some sushi and italian ice. then, candy shopping? less than $50.