I've been so excited to open my 3 cards and my present this morning. A card from Lysette that I promised I'd leave until today, a card from my Grandma and Grandad that had a cheque and a letter in that instantly brightened my day by making me laugh:

My dear Shelley,

We are sending your birthday pressie early this year as you will be away on the day.

Hoping you will have a lovely holiday - sorry, sorry! This is work experience, not a sun, sea and booze holiday. But lets hope you get some fun while you are there!

I would life to give you a long list of Dos and Don'ts such as

Do blend in and make friends

Do respect their way of doing things

but

Don't get caught up in their funny religious beliefs

and please Don't bring home a Yankee boyfriend!

I could go on for pages like this but would you listen? -Well I am your Gran and I am entitled to worry a bit.

Have a lovely trip and a Happy Birthday.

Love from Grandma and Grandad

I also had a card from my mum containing a beautiful crystal guardian angel, and what I looked forward to the most, the present from my mum - a beautiful gold and silver claddagh ring.
I treated myself to eggs and a cup of tea this morning - usually it's just cornflakes. And then I went to Main Street Grill for lunch with Eric, Emma, Erin, Ellie, Jen, Amber, Elizabeth and Krissa. After that we went to the Renaissance Fair across the road which I loved! And intend to go back again on Saturday. When we got back, a few of us went and chilled out at the pool until we had to go to work.
Tonight was Much Ado About Nothing - my busiest night, and then me and Amber had to do laundry. But when I got back, I went to Ben, Kristen and Richie's flat below me because Ben cooks every Thursday. Tonight was doughnuts, but when I walked in, Ben and Chris had also made me a HUGE birthday cake! It was amazing! I went to Erin's after to watch a film and Ellie had also made me a cake as well :) I'm taking that one to work tomorrow :)