Finally, a real post

I know it has been a while since I have posted a real note so, here you go! We recently had 2 weeks off of school for the Muslim New Year. I did not go anywhere and just enjoyed my time relaxing at home. I went white water rafting one day, where I managed to be the only one who fell out of the raft. I got some sweet bruises but, it was still fun! We stopped at a rest stop while rafting. The rest stop was on top of the river bank. We had to cross a bridge to get there. After having a quick snack, we jumped off the bridge to get back in the water. It was so much fun! I wish I had my camera with me to show you pictures but, I did not bring my camera on the raft (which was a good idea since I fell out). I also went to the water park with a friend and found a great clothing outlet shop (where the clothes actually fit me). Other than that, I just relaxed at home during break. It was really nice to be able to sleep in and not have any obligations.

This past week it was back to school. So much for rest and relaxation! It was my birthday on Friday and I went to dinner with some friends to celebrate. Below are some pictures of our fun time. We had dinner at a great Italian place. I had a few mishaps before I made it to dinner. I decided to curl my hair. Well, I found out it is not a good idea to use an American curling iron in Indonesia. I burned a chunk of my hair off! Yikes! Then I called a taxi to take me to the restaurant. I waited an hour and 15 minutes for the taxi to arrive! So, I ended up being an hour and a half late for my own birthday party. Everyone was so gracious and didn't hate me for being so late. That was nice! My friends even brought a chocolate birthday cake to the party. It was soooo yummy! It was a great night!

I did not inform any of my Indonesian friends or co-workers that it was my birthday. I was afraid we would have to celebrate it Indonesian style. In Indonesia, they like to be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday so they call and text you at midnight. And they also like to show up at your house at midnight and surprise you to help you ring in your birthday. Then at work, they steal your personal items and give them back to you at the end of the day all wrapped up like a present. They also have been known to dump soda or flour on your head. Then that night, you are invited out to dinner with all of your closest friends where you are expected to pay for everyone. Yeah, not my kind of celebration. I managed to make it through the day without anyone finding out it was my birthday. Yes!

This weekend was spent hanging out with friends some more and catching a nasty cold. Luckily, I brought some sweet cold medicine with me. So, now it is off to sleep some more and try to get rid of this yucky bug!

I know many of you have been worried about my safety with all of the natural disasters taking place in Southeast Asia. I have not been affected by any of the earthquakes, tsunamis, or typhoons. I hope it stays that way!

As usual, I love and miss you all more than I could ever say! Thanks to all who sent birthday wishes, it is always so great to get notes from home!

Me and my birthday cake

This super cool fountain at the restaurant

My friends helping me celebrate my birthday.

Us doing an Indonesian pose. We don't know why but, Indonesians always do the peace sign in their pictures.