Julie In Germany!: A GREAT BIRTHDAY!!

I know my expectations are sometimes a little high when it comes to my birthday (ok my birthday month), but this birthday all expectations were surpassed... by far! I had the most amazing birthday ever. A huge part of it is due to the fact that I became an aunt to the cutest little boy on my birthday (thanks karla and brad :) ). Another huge part is due to the great friends that I have made here and also the amazing friends and family I have back home. I am always thankful for them, but something about my birthday always makes me really think about how lucky I am.
And Todd I guess you deserve a special shout-out. I know it is a lot of pressure and I think after the one birthday a couple years ago that did't go as you had planned that you are a little nervous, but this birthday was better than I could have imagined! Thanks!!!!

It all started with a decorated office, singing happy birthday to me, lots of cake and mimosa's and that was all during the work day.

Then came dinner with Todd. We picked a restaurant that we had never been to (which can always be risky) but we got tram directions and headed on our way. I know this is not the best thing to do, but I will admit that I do not always buy tram tickets but this time we made sure to buy tickets because first we didn’t want to have to be nervous about getting a ticket on my birthday and second we were going far so it is a little to risky! We finally made it to dinner and had a great meal and enjoyed each other’s company. On the way home I said I really hope that we get checked for our tram tickets. I hate when I buy them and then I don’t even get checked. Well my wish came true. Two stops before home three security men stopped the tram and checked everyone’s tickets. I was just grinning ear to ear and acting so cool and said HALLO as they waited for us to show our tickets which I had given to Todd after we bought them. Todd began to search through his pockets and only found ONE!! After Todd’s initial thought to pretend he didn’t know me passed, we tried to tell them we bought two but cant find the other. I am sure they hear this all the time and didn’t buy it. We were escorted off the tram and as they are asking us a million questions in German, I remember someone telling me to act like a tourist from America… well that’s what I did! Todd was getting so frustrated with me because he knew I understood what they are saying to me but I keep responding in English that I don’t understand. Eventually they got annoyed and just made us pay for another 5 euro ticket for the one we lost! Success!! However, Todd only has a 20 euro bill and the machine didn't take these and I had no money left! Now I got worried. They really started to get upset and ask where we were staying. At this point, I saw a lady walking up to buy a ticket and I asked if she has change. Luckily she did.... and I will never again wish to be checked! We did not get written up on my birthday, but it was a close call!

on the tram with our tickets....

Walking to dinner

at the restaurant

That weekend I had a birthday dinner and had the best time! So many great friends came out to help me celebrate and as you can guess it ended up with a dance party!