3.15.10 – ITS MY BIRTHDAY

I AM 21! – Whoa! While clearly the highlight of today was the fact that it is my birthday, however I first need to address the stresses of the day, which detracted from the happy occasion – at least for the first part of the day.

On this lovely Monday morning, my classes began earlier than usual at 8:00AM because in my business class we were presenting our analyses of the different businesses and industries we researched. To be able to fit in all the presentations, we had to start early – we actually ended up running over time as well. In addition to the presentation, we also had the large group paper (the one I worked on for most of my time on Sunday) due during class. I think the presentation went well, so it wasn’t too bad of a start to the day.

I then had my history class to sit through before I could hit the books again during my five hours break. Class was okay, but I simply was not focused because I was worrying about another group project that I had due in my marketing class later as well as a marketing midterm (which I had yet to study for, due to my concentration on my other project). You should already be able to tell what I did during my break. I had to write my section of the group paper (only a draft was due though, so not quite as big a deal), meet with said group to piece together the draft, and attempt to study for my marketing midterm. I succeed with the first two goals, however the last was a little more illusive. I simply didn’t have any more energy to devote to anything productive to be able to study. I also have a hard time studying marketing because when looking at the material, it all seems like common sense (there are simply terms labeling what different things are – the hard part is remembering all those terms). Needless to say, I don’t think I did that well on my midterm, however you never know, and I might do better than what I am currently imagining.

Once all the annoying classes, projects, papers, and tests were over, I finally got to start the celebration part of my day. I planned to meet up with Sofie, my host sister, at Lyngby – another train station off my usual line. From there, we would meet up with the rest of the family for a birthday dinner at a local sushi restaurant. We found each other just fine, which was very helpful because my phone had actually died earlier in the day, and it would have been difficult to contact each other otherwise. We had a little bit of time before our table was going to be ready, so we headed over to the shop where Charlotte – my host mom – works. I hadn’t been there before so it was nice to see. It is simply a clothing store located in a mall area. After a quick hello we headed over to the restaurant.

Clearly I couldn’t order much because I could read much on the menu, however I eat pretty much any kind of sushi, so it didn’t really matter. We ended up ordering 4 different trays – 2 were the rolled sushi and 2 were cooked sticks. It was a lot to eat, but it was all very good, and collectively we finished all but one piece. Also at dinner, my host family gave me a present, which were a shirt and a scarf (which I am wearing as I write this). I was surprised because (1) I wasn’t expecting anything from them and (2) they were colorful (a rarity to see in Denmark.

After dinner we all piled in the car to head home. On our way, we stopped for some ice cream to have with some coffee as a dessert once we got home. While we were waiting for the coffee to brew, I took the liberty to open a couple of the packages I had received from family back home. I opened a box from my Aunt Rena and Uncle Jack, who sent me some o my favorite chocolates. I also unwrapped a package from my dad and Bob, which included a couple cards, a hat, several boxes of granola bars, and a battery powered hamster (which I still don’t quite understand). We then all sat down in the family room where my host family serenaded me with the Danish birthday song. We also had the previously mentioned ice cream and coffee, which was really good. I haven’t had ice cream for a while, however I resisted from eating too much all on my own. We then just watched some TV and relaxed for the evening.

At about 10:00, I made my way up to my computer, so that I could hopefully catch some people on Skype. Fortunately, I was able to talk to Tory and my mom. I actually waited to open the package from my mom until I talked to her. It was fun cause I think the best part of opening presents is doing so when the other person is there. Then they have a chance to explain and comment where needed. After all of my presents, I have quite a lot of food to consume, including granola bars, 4 jars of peanut butter (this will not be a problem), and several bags of candy. I feel like I am always eating; I just recently finished all the fudge my Nonno sent me (I’m not complaining about it though ☺).

After Skyping, I then got ready for bed and read for a little bit before falling asleep. It was definitely a good birthday. Thank you again to everyone for the cards, gifts, kind thoughts, and awesome birthday wishes! We will have to honor my birthday though again WITH A DRINK when I get home.