2003-03-30 at 12:04 p.m.

"So... do those things light up?"

I looked up from my drink, startled. My friend Michael was looking across at me, eyebrows raised in query.

And his eyes were focused on my chest.

I surreptitiously crossed my arms in front of me.

"What?"

"Do those things light up?"

"Do what things light up, exactly?"

It was then that I realised he was looking at my necklace, an elaborate affair comprised of beads, sequins, and black thread.

"Um... no. They're just sequins."

"Oh." He took a swig from his drink, and looked back at me.

"Why are you laughing?"