That's right, I am officially another year older. Here in China most people consider themselves another year older on January 1st... but not me. Case in point, we were told our former babysitter was 18, but later when we were discussing Gracie's birthday with her we found out that she doesn't turn 18 until December. Actually, most Chinese pretty much count themselves as one when they are born. I guess that makes pretty good sense. I mean we are actually 10 months old when we enter the world. Still though, I think I'll wait until next September before I start telling people I'm 33. Of course I could do like Billy Bob, he celebrates his birthday twice. Once on his international birthday (his actual birthday) and again on his lunar calenday birthday... or maybe it is his lunar calendar birthday and then his international birthday. Either way, that's a good way to get a lot of attention and a bunch of presents!
I actually celebrated my birthday twice this year. Some friends had a party for me Sunday which was in essence a Mexican food fest, and then I celebrated again Monday with some other friends. So Sunday we chowed on some homemade tortillas, fajita fixins, bean dip, salsa, pico, and corn chips. E made a pinata and filled it with Chinese coins, jujube candies, and minature Dove bars. To top it off 3 muchachas served my cake wearing painted on mustaches and singing Happy Birthday in Spanish. It was Fun-Fun!
Monday we did the traditional take everyone out for your birthday dinner. You heard me right, here your friends don't take you out to dinner, instead you take them out to celebrate your birthday. We went to a fancy place near our home and ordered about 13 dishes. One of my favorites was the black chicken soup. Are you wondering how I knew it was a black chicken? Well, because it's feet were still attached and sticking up out of the soup, and they were black. And yes, the head was still attached as well. That is one thing I had to get used to... having the head on everything being served. Only the chicken and the fish were lucky enough to stay in tact for this meal, and our buddy Mark feasted on the fish head after we had disassembled its body. The food was really good!
I also racked up on presents this year... from my Chinese friends I received 2 bunches of flowers, a scarf, a handmade cell phone cover, videos of my province, and a case of milk. From the Meiguo pengyous I received lentils and brown rice (YES!), snickers, cheetos, cranberry sauce (Yes, Yes, Yes!!!), a vase, handtowels with a Grace logo, UGA glasses, a candle, a frame, roses from my sweetie, and a balcony full of plants!!! Then I got a new corduroy LLBean shirt, a magazine, and a cool bag along with two wonderful cards from America!!! It was a great birthday! So far I am already enjoying the flowers and the milk!
Happy Birthday to me, or as we say here, "Sheng Ri Kwai Le".
Adios my friends,
Jenny
