Yup, thats right my birthday (eid meladie) was this last week! And I have to say it was one of the best birthdays I have ever had. I know that sounds kinda crazy since it was my first one half way across the world, but seriously I felt so loved by people here and people in America!

My day started off with blueberry muffins & coffee from Chase (he woke up before class to fix them for me).

Then homemade pizza for lunch.. I was really wanting Dions, of course, so Chase made this for me! I have already made it again this week… so yummy. I think the key is butter & garlic salt on the bottom and cracked Italian pepper on the top.

Then Chase took me to a cute coffee shop here where both men & women can go in! It is the only one like it in our town. We had a latte and did a little homework- I know who does homework on their birthday?, what can I say I can’t go to class without doing my homework…

Then we went back to our apartment and we opened the door and it was full of all my friends out here! They threw me a surprise party! (I was mostly surprised.. poor Chase can’t pull off a full surprise around me because I am super nosey- ha) We had mexican food (guacamole, salsa/chips, black beans, mexican egg rolls & quesadillas! and yummy desserts) It was a great party with great people.

the cake was called, "Death by Chocolate" and believe me it was!

I ended the day with a chat with my mom, little sis, dad, and the remkes, and lots of texts from friends back home! It was a wonderful day! Thanks to everyone for making it so special. I am excited about my 25th year on this earth… lots of exciting things to look forward to this year…

I am so thankful for technology!

Oh I almost forgot that my mom sent me a birthday package with 25 individually wrapped presents in it! She was so creative… I love little gifts and so it was so fun to open — even if I opened it a few days early 😉 Thanks mom!

So excited to open them!