Life in Southern China: Celebrating My Birthday!

So my birthday was March 28 (Sunday)! However, on Friday night Jane, Krista, and I had planned to have a girls night together. So, when Krista got home from work that evening we rode our bikes to Jane's house.

I parked my bike and went to knock on the door. When Jane opened it, I noticed the lights were off. I just figured they were off because her daughter was already sleeping. Let me remind you... I was standing in the door way.

As I took a step into the house and started to take my shoes off, I quickly noticed someone standing on the balcony in the dark. I literally freaked out and ran for the door. I was out the door so fast and almost out of the building. Then I heard a group of people scream "SURPRISE!"

After the fear left, then the tears came because I was laughing so hard, as was everyone else. If you've ever stayed at my house before, you know I don't do well with people walking up behind me and not knowing it (I literally jump). Also, its sad to admit, but I'm also afraid of the dark sometimes (I've have some pretty funny stories from the past because of this).

Little did I know, Krista had stolen my phone the night before and called all my friends and invited them to Jane's house.

This is when K tried to take a picture of me being surprised... but I was already out the door!

This is the part where I was trying to get my breath back after sprinting out the door, and then crying because I was laughing so hard after I realized what had happened

My 姐姐 (older sister) and friends

K has this amazing gift of making cakes! And she knew which was my favorite! She's amazing! It was such a wonderful night and I was completely surprised. So thankful for my friends here!

The Second Part (Which took place on Sunday night):

This year is my 本命年！ Its the year of the Tiger, which is my year - 1986!

When it comes to celebrating birthdays here, the tradition is whosoever birthday it is they treat their friends out to dinner! I took some of my closest friends out to celebrate and eat Hot Pot (one of my favorites)!

Tradition is... you always have to eat 面 noddles on your birthday! Once the 老板 restaurant owner found out it was my birthday the first thing they brought me was this bowl of noodles.