First birthday away from the nest

So this Tuesday was my 19^th birthday. I have to say that I was very much excited to be turning 19; it's my last year as a teenager and yet I am not really 'just a kid' anymore (well, I'd like so think so anyway) because I have a year's worth of independence under my belt. Reflecting on how far I've come since my 18^th makes me smile – so much has changed but it's been for the greater good and I have come out much stronger. I have made some incredible friends since my 18^th too and have had some many unexpected opportunities to do so many amazing things.

How did my birthday go then? Well, as you can guess from the title this was my first birthday without my family. Initially I didn't really know how I felt about that until I read my mum's very heart-felt message to me on Facebook and I had a little cry. I was sad but once I realised that that was the case I felt better. I skyped my sister and mum and had a good chat which made my day. I also received a very cute parcel in the post today with tiny little messages from each of them and a Ukrainian gift of mini matrioshki on a drawing pin. It's the little things....

Letters from home <3

But the people around me were very generous with their time and even gifts for my special day (because birthdays are always special). The couple I live with greeted me in the morning with a lovely card and presents and I went for tea at my friends, Jim and Katy's house which was so fun. They got me a cake with pink glittery flowers on and their youngest even voluntarily sat on my lap for a prolonged amount of time! That truly was a gift! Basically it was a perfect birthday dinner; Katy and I crocheted into the evening, counting stitches and discussing yarns! (This is my own personal bliss.)

Jesse is a leetle angel wafe!

Last night I went out with some friends from school to a local Asian restaurant to celebrate. Not only did I try my first Yaki Soba (oh boy, it tasted so gooood!) but the company was great also. Thanks, guys!

Lotti, James, me and Aaron

What can I say?! I had an amazing birthday and feel very undeserving of everyone's kindness. As my friend Lotti said to me, “It's all the little things that make your birthday great when your family is not present.” This was the first of many birthdays away from family... and it was a pretty great first!