Yesterday i woke up and remembered (after michael's reminding) that I was in Norway 2 years ago that day. I couldn't believe it had been two years. Two whole years since I had had taken 4 flights and 2 bus rides through those beautiful mountains. Two years since I had seen my friend, Signe. Two years since I'd spent my summer there learning about her life and her family and how small everything was in her grocery stores. Two years since she'd taught me so patiently how to drive stick in her black Volkswagen up and down her dirt road and cutting out too many times to actually call it driving.
Two years since Norway.
I met Signe on the Mercyship.
and one year later I went to spend a summer in her country.
Norway and I share a day together.
That day is May 17th.
Norway's Independence Day.
My Birthday.
Yesterday I turned 22. I didn't even remember my birthday was coming in the hu-bub of exams, packing, moving, summer classes, and starting a new job. It sort of surprised me and peaked around the corned at me like a friend you'd been counting down the days to see and made me giddy with excitement. It all started with a trip to Atlanta. Michael's band, Coral Castles, had their first show there on May 16th and right around midnight the bands were still going strong and my birthday was brought in with music, dancing, and an oh so lovely vodka and redbull (my new favorite drink!)
But the next day was the best even though that show was pretty darn hard to beat. Michael told me "a couple" friends were coming over for dinner and it would just be really informal. Which it was... But then he bought me a balloon! (I LOVE balloons), got tons of food, and tons of cars started pulling up! Lovely friends came to my door, one after another, with different hot dog toppings and hugs and I felt so loved by each one of them...
I didn't mean for this to be sappy but there is just nothing more heartwarming and humbling then people gathering around you on your birthday just to show you that they care and they love you. Kara brought the onions. Elea brought a card and her fabulous smile. Will brought the cups. Brian brought the chips. Someone else brought the ketchup. and another brought the mustard and they all loved me.
and last but not least Michael surprised me with the best ghetto birthday cake yet... zebra cakes with a candle!
The only thing missing was my dear Norwegian friend but she's flying here in July!
Happy Norwegian Independence Day!!!
