On My Днем Рождения

This was a special day for me; specifically, it was my birthday. Technically, it still is in America. 

My day got off to a rough start, with my stomach rejecting the omlette that my hands had made for it, and an exceedingly long and boring Russian language class (we went over comparative and superlative forms of adjectives- there's a formula, but so many exceptions to the rule it's almost pointless to learn). However, prospects upturned with my trip downtown to the walking street, Pekrovka. I meandered in and out of the stores, rummaging through end-of-season sales, finding nothing I dreadfully needed, but enjoying the relaxing nature of the activity. It really is therapeutic to me- shopping is a universal language. 

I did make a purchase, though: a fairytale book with a deep indigo fabric cover and beautiful pages and illustrations. I had eyed it longingly last semester, but decided it wasn't worth the price. (Happy birthday to me!) That's okay, my grandkids will enjoy it. As long as they can read Russian.

I also bought dinner for myself: pelmini (of the frozen variety), a bottle of wine, a bar of chocolate, a package of pastries, bread, and my favorite cheese. Hey, this day only comes once a year. I realized despairingly on return to the dorm that I had no corkscrew, yet this dilemna was solved by yet another of Samira's friends, Kamel (he stressed during our first acquaintance that's Kamel with a "k," not a "c."). Kamel set off to find the answer to my birthday calamity, and came back 10 minutes later not only with a corkscrew, but also a small bag of delicious caramel candies.

I was doubly fortunate to be able to spend time on my birthday with friends in Russia, and a few American friends via Skype. I'm not really sure what people did before Internet. They probably learned things faster (less procrastinational possibilities). Tomorrow we will have a little get-together here to celebrate, well, I guess my birth, but more so it's a chance for everyone to get together. I, with the help of Tanya, will be cooking for the fete. 

I spent a little time today reflecting on the past 22 years, and what I want to do with the next 22. I've decided it's too soon to tell, but I did find a quote that I like:

When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?"

- Sydney J. Harris

: ) So, thanks to all those who have made my 2+ decades all that it has been!

Love, Amanda/Stilts/Аманда/Twinkletoes