It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years...

27.  That is how old I turned on April 27th.  My golden birthday as they say.  The year that the day and your age line up.  Normally I wouldn't admit to this.  I have many good friends who every year for the past 6 years have wished me a happy 21st birthday.  (You really are great friends!)  But this year, I have accepted my age with dignity... I wasn't even grumpy this year like normal, even though this year was my first birthday ever not to spend with all my family and friends.  Luckily I was blessed with an amazing husband who more than made up for it just being the two of us.

I have made a few friends since I have been here, who I have really enjoyed getting to know.  I was able to spend the day of my birthday with a friend I have made, Emily.  We had a really fun time, great lunch at an Italian restaurant in Xintandi and then shopping in the art market.  The art market is really fun, lots of original works of art as well as prints and even fun framed scarves.  I found one I liked, I didn't end up buying it but if I go back and get it I will post a pic.

After my fun day shopping I came home to meet Joel when he got off work.  I knew we were doing something but he wanted to keep it all a surprise.  He had such a great night planned.  It started with a ton of fun presents.  Even though our trip to Putuoshan was my big present he still had some funny things to give.  He bought me an owl that I had seen at the antique market and a few other fun silly things.  Even a stuffed dog because I had told him I wanted a puppy for my birthday (don't worry mom, I'm not getting one!)

After a pre-dinner drink and present opening we took a taxi to the Bund and had a seriously amazing dinner at a restaurant call New Heights.  The view was amazing.   The wine was amazing.  Even more amazing was my goat cheese salad.  A lot of places here don't know what real cheese is.  I tried to share it with Joel but I couldn't do it.  It was that good.  After dinner we headed back to our side of the river to the Grand Hyatt for dessert.  We each had a martini and ordered the chocolate fondue, it was such a great presentation!  And also very yummy.  It was a great night!

I wanted to say thanks to all my wonderful friends and family who sent emails, ecards, and facebook posts to make me feel loved on my bday!  Love you all!




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