It's My Party and I'll Turn 30 if I Want To!

My birthday celebration started out with a super sweet email from the gals I worked with in Bulgaria. They created a Happy Birthday message for me that stole my heart! They're such sweethearts!It really made me miss Bulgaria and all the people I know there. Then I got selfish and started whining about not being with my friends and family for my 30th birthday. I started being a bit depressed that I'd be with a bunch of strangers to welcome in my 30s. But I was able to use my positivitiy skills to change my attitude! I tricked myself into believing that there's nothing like celebrating your special day with a bunch of people you just met! Actually, the folks with whom I'm studying down here have really impressed me. They're a good group with lots to offer. And they're super smart! And they come from everywhere! There are 161 students from 42 different countries! And they managed to make me smile for the entire day!

At the moment, a friend is staying with me until she can find her own place. I met Becca six years ago in Switzerland. We've stayed in touch since then and have now ended up at the same grad school! She took note of me wearing my new white t-shirt, which was a gift, and devised a diabolical plan!

In the mornings, before school starts, the students hang out at this outdoor, covered cafeteria. We were sitting around chatting and Becca came up to me with a handful of pens. I asked what they were for and she told me that I'd find out. Then she took my chair away from me, stood on it, and announced to everyone that it was my 30th birthday and that I'll be carrying these damn pens around all day so that people could come up to me and write happy birthday on my new white t-shirt.

Well, it didn't take long at all for me to be surrounded by a bunch of kids writing all over me. In no time, I was covered in all kinds of colors and languages. It was a pretty cool feeling. That Becca... She's made it onto my sweetheart list, too.So the day went by, and people signed all over me. I heard a lot of, "No way, you're not 30! Wow!” which made me feel nice, I guess. It wasn't about the age, I figure, they were just telling me that I'm still pretty. I explained that it was my superior genetics that allow me to look so beautiful. Of course, at the time that explanation sounded more like, "Thanks!” You know... on account of language barriers and whatnot.

That night, some of the folks in my program let me come over to their house and make them margaritas from scratch. We spent the night singing, dancing, watching Obama's acceptance speech, and other things I apparently don't remember. It was just like a 30th birthday should be!If anyone is dying to send me a birthday card, postcard, or a big ole salami, here is my mailing address:

Andrew Judkins
Department of Academic Administration
University for Peace
P.O. Box 138-6100
San José, Costa Rica
Central America

If you're sending something my way - Thanks! Just don't use courier companies such as DHL or FEDEX! The package will incur extra taxes and fees...