Happy happy

I feel happy.

Happy 31st to me: I spent the weekend home resting and eating a Little Debbie cake. I even won $2.00 on a lotto scratch off! It rained on my birthday (4/22/12) but not on my spirit. I had a great week with friends and students. I enjoyed reflecting on the week's events. I was moved by all the lovely birthday wishes posted on  my Facebook page and Twitter. What a nice surprise! I didn't expect it. I appreciate all the love from my friends. I love them very much. It feels good to be 31. I feel more mature and settled with myself. I thank God for all His blessings. I look forward to many more birthdays to come.

Celebrating with my students: I had my good friends at my favorite bakery bake me an Angry Birds cake. They did a fantastic job. I couldn't stop smiling when he took it out of the refrigerator and inscribed my name on it. All I could say is "oom goy sigh" ("thank you" in Cantonese). My students were surprised when they saw the cake. Some laughed recognizing the big red Angry Bird on the cake. Angry Birds is my favorite video game. Before I could do anything, everyone pulled out their camera phones and said, "Teacher Teacher, hold the cake!" When I did, they yelled, "Cheese!" and all the snapping began. I felt like a movie star. Then I was asked to make a wish. At this point everyone was seated waiting for me to make my wish. I bowed my head for a moment and looked up at everyone. With a deep breath I said, "I'm so grateful right now. In January I had surgery on my hip. I'd wished to walk and go back to teaching by my birthday. And here I am doing both, so my wish already came true." I felt my voice crack and held back tears when they clapped saying "Yay Teacher!" The cake was "ho mei" ("yummy" in Cantonese) and we all had a nice time! I feel like the luckiest teacher to have such a great class. I'm still smiling.

I believe this new year of my life will be a good one. I look forward to what's next on my trail. So far, so good.