What's not to love about a birthday?

Hi everyone, Maria here. Last Wednesday I turned 26!!!

Ethan and I started the day with a bowl of my favorite cereal and then we went for a quite pleasant bike ride. Then we ate some awesome tomato sandwiches, and we were off to work. At work I was greeted by cards on my disk made by my co-workers. Then they tricked me into going into the kitchen where they were all waiting with a green tea birthday cake (my favorite). It was so special! Then all day my kids gave me cards that they had written and presents that they had made. It was so awesome!

After work Ethan and I had plans to go out to a galbi (Korean barbecue) restaurant with a few friends, but I hadn't heard from any of them, so as we were walking to the restaurant I was preparing myself for a quiet birthday evening with my husband (which of course would have been great:) Well.....I was so surprised to see all of my friends waiting for us at the restaurant when we arrived! Ethan threw me a surprise party, and I had NO IDEA!!! After a great dinner, we went to the singing room (of course) where I serenaded everyone with "I'm bad I'm bad you know it....." and Ethan sang me song after song. It was very great.

That day and the next my e-mail was flooded with happy birthday notes...Thanks to everyone who thought of me on my birthday whether here in Korea or on the other side of the world. It meant so much to be reminded of all the people who care about me!

Friday night Debbie arrived! Yeah!!! She got in late, and she's recovering from a stomach virus, so we pretty much chilled at home all day...except for a visit to "E-Mart" our gigantic grocery/everything store. Debbie was very impressed.

Last night I had my second birthday party that we planned last week. We grilled veggie-burgers and regular burgers. Angie came over early to help us cook food and decorate. We had the whole party out on the roof...it was so great. Most of my co-workers came, as well as most of our other friends. Everyone had a great time, including Debbie who felt better towards the evening.

As for our plans for this week, we are remaining flexible and don't have solid plans yet. We are so thrilled to have Debbie here visiting, and whatever we do we are sure to have a blast!