A Birthday to Remember

When I woke up this morning, on my birthday, I was both excited and very sad. This is the first time I've spent my birthday away from home and my loved ones, yet one can't NOT be excited on one's birthday.

I woke up not expecting a huge celebration, or gifts, or anything really. But when I came downstairs, there were a couple "Happy Birthday" banners on the walls. There was a giant balloon tied to my usual chair at the table. Ray and Susan surprised me with a gift; a Willow Tree figurine that is completely appropriate for the situation.

Forget-Me-Not

Andrew and Charlotte got me this book, which is absolutely pointless (obviously) and amazing. I can't wait to use it. 

Then I was gifted with a beautiful necklace with a Blue John stone, which is mined locally in Derbyshire (which is the only place it's found) and looks something like this:  

The most amazing gift, though, was that I finally got to meet the rest of my family. Not all of them, there were a couple who couldn't make it, but most of them. It was absolutely amazing; a bunch of strangers came to celebrate my birthday, and they welcomed me completely. They were so wonderful,  all of them. I realized how lucky I truly am, to come to a foreign country and have people who want to meet me and get to know me. They didn't ask questions or judge me. They were family, right away. 

Back rows: Charlotte, Andrew, Paul, Susan, Ray, Kaan, Maureen, Irving
Kneeling: Tulin, Kaya, Me, Lindsay

And that was the best feeling ever. 

Nothing Exciting to Post

Sadly, I've not done anything in the past week worth mentioning. I've been very busy with schoolwork the past couple days, and I'm sorry to report that this trend will continue into this next week. I have 3 essays due these next two weeks, and as much as I would like to, I can't slack on my studies. I'm hoping to finish my essays early, and maybe plan a day trip for next weekend. I'm not sure where I want to go though; any suggestions?

I also plan on exploring more of Manchester this next week. I've not hardly been anywhere except the university. Maybe I'll make my way to the Northern Quarter, where there are supposed to me a lot of vintage shops and boutiques.

I'm very excited about my upcoming Easter break though. I'll have 3 weeks to do as I please. I'll spend one of those weeks with family. Susan and Ray said they would take me around Wales to see all the old castles. I also hope to make it up to Scotland. Francine, Katia, and I are planning a tentative trip to London at the tail end of the break. I'm very excited for London! I might be going more than once, too.

Then after Easter, it will be my birthday. I'm still very upset about having to spend my birthday away from home. This will be my first birthday that me and my best friend, DeAnne, (whose birthday is the 18th) will spend apart. Since meeting in second grade, we've always been together for our birthdays. I'm sure it will be fine though. My friends here will have no problem coming out with me to celebrate!