Yes, I just quoted Blink 182. God help me. But that song has been stuck in my head ever since my birthday started to creep up on me. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that nobody likes me now that I’m 23, but I can guarantee there are a few Chinese people out there who aren’t my biggest fans. They would be the ones who witnessed my one-woman, street performance of the “What Day is Today?” song, a gem we taught our Book 5 kids. What can I say? We had just been to KTV – the Cadillac of karaoke joints – and I guess I just hadn’t gotten my fill of performing. I am a middle child, after all.
So, clearly, my 23rd birthday was a smashing success – as the bruises on my legs can verify. I am so grateful to Buffin and the rest of my new China friends for making sure my far-away-from-home celebration was a good one. If my mom was still forcing me to write thank you notes (I think my hand is still recovering from high school graduation), this is what they would say:
Buffin: There are too many things to thank you for, B-Monkey. Keeping me sane, for one. But since this is birthday specific (and even though I made you promise not to get me anything, you sneaky thing you), please accept my gracious thanks for the:
- Handmade Chinese fortuneteller (especially the part about a certain ex-boyfriend...still getting a good giggle out of that one)
- Chinese fashion magazine (specifically the “Will You Marry Me?” article)
- Chocolate birthday cake that tasted like feet
Helen: First of all, I would like to thank you for taking a two-hour bus ride into Shanghai to celebrate with me. I was really honored that a Yankee would deign to attend the birthday party of a mere Southerner. Secondly, my taste buds would like to thank you for the 20-pack of Orion Moon Pies. My waistline, however, would not. Oh! And also thanks for the candles on my aforementioned foot cake.
Elliot: Lord only knows what inspired you to spoil me like one of those kids on My Super Sweet Sixteen. Many thanks for my:
- Stuffed Expo Man mascot, who will henceforth be the little spoon to my big spoon. I just Googled it and apparently his name is Haibao (treasure of the seas), but I’ll still call him Expo Man, if that’s ok by you.
- Beautiful blue-and-white teacup set
- Dancing flower toy (China: The Land of Kitsch)
- Party decorations, which are still up...and will probably stay up until we leave
- Wine bottle...tuxedo? It looks quite dapper, now.
J+B: Your gift has single handedly changed not only my life, but Buffin’s as well. I think we squealed like children on Christmas morning when I opened the Ikea coffee press and bag of grounds. They will certainly make getting through a day of teaching a little easier. And, also, we won’t be bumming off your stash anymore. Win, win.
Paige: I haven’t been brave enough to try the special Chinese desserts you gave me, but I promise I will man up soon. I also really enjoyed our heart-to-heart. Drunken compliments are really just underrated, non-traditional birthday gifts.
P.S. Lots of a’i (love) to all of my dear ones back home in America (and also those fellow wanderlust-ers in Málaga, España). Thanks for putting up with me these past twenty-three years.
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius
Every day (even here...especially here) you are the ones who make me see it, and I am so very grateful.
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