And After Valentine's Came my Bday!

I enjoyed these flowers from friends for weeks after my bday
I had a great birthday here in my new city.  I was encouraged to hear from over 50 people via phone and internet wishing me a happy birthday, and yes I wrote every name down and counted.
I was encouraged by a surprise cake from friends and my favorite, vanilla cupcakes (see picture below) from my lovely roommate.  I was encouraged by gifts from friends.  And a friend who took the time to take me out for tea in the afternoon, and friends who took me out to dinner to celebrate with me.

 

All Decked out for Valentine's Day!

And this mall wasn't really decorated,
another mall had way more heart decor, but I forgot my camera.

While I know Valentine's was a while back I still wanted to post this picture so you all could see one of the many great places to shop here and simply get out and about on a cold rainy day in my new city.
This mall has everthing!  From Chili's to Starbucks to TGIF's
A movie theater, Gap, H&M, Zara, Claires... 

I promise to update soon with pictures! I have tons to share from over the last two months (but internet is too slow right now)
I am so happy to have my computer back after so long without.  I have learned a lot about computers in the last two months.
1. I can live without it (glad I had my ipod touch to keep up with everyone though I didn't try to write much on it)
2. I do not like to deal with computer issues
3. I appreciate people who do and are willing to help those who cannot
4. My computer has a 2nd little battery in it...it's the clock battery, that is how you can take out your computer battery and the time is still correct - go figure.
5. Always Always back up your information, pictures etc.  So thankful that even though I have a new motherboard and new harddrive all my programs and files were backed up, by the afore mentioned computer whiz - who will now be asked every one of my computer related questions.

Learning to notice
the simple beauty of everyday...

Evening view

Colors and Creative Hands

Baking, Friends
and friends to share baking with

 

 

Baking and Laundry

I told my landlady I knew how to make Apple Pie, not really sure how that conversation came to be but anyways...She has been making me tons of food, goodies and tea so I made her an Apple Pie.

I love that you can still see the steam coming off the hot pie :) 

 

A not so excited but part of everyday life - laundry.  I have a great washer that you can see my clothes getting washed in...and some drying racks in the large front room that get the best sunshine.  Most of my neighbors seem to dry their laundry on the roof - I'm not quite there yet, maybe in the summer months.

And just because I like it...A friendly gate in my neighborhood.

Pictures of my Life
MONDAY UPDATE
See my new bedroom?  Notice how creative I got decorating?
I went to the market the other day and bought ribbon and buttons.
I have lots more room on the wall so send me some more pictures!
Or better yet come visit and take pictures with me to put on the wall!

And my favorite spot to sit on sunny mornings.  Notice how I have purposefully removed the back cushion so as get get the full effect of the sunshine.

And if the sun refuses to shine I can turn on my Butagas Heater. 

I had never heard of one before but it is a good thing.

The backside of my Butagas Heater, just in case you didn't quite see how it worked,

such as myself when I first saw the thing.

 

And finally back in my room, my electric heaters.  Actually the one on the ground was in my room when I arrived, the one on the boxes belongs to a roomate who is out of town for awhile, but I am convinced it heats the room a bit better and it has less of a fire hazard.  This come from experience as the back of the brown chair you see had a bit of a melting smoking moment the other night...

__Winter Spice__
Honestly, today started out rainy, cold and dreary. I stayed in bed for as long as I could rationalize. Then I huddled in my bedroom not wanting to go anywhere. But I have made an agreement with myself to go somewhere everyday. It may just be to the little grocery store down the road, but I will go somewhere everyday and talk to someone...So that being said I remembered the fancy Starbucks not far away and remembered that it was nicely heated inside. So in search of warmth I bundled up and went for a taxi ride.

So thankful I did!

First, you can see the picture of my fabulous Winter Spice Latte with Soy. I LOVE it when coffee places suggest a new drink! I don't know why but it makes me happy and I always try what they suggest, otherwise I get the same thing everytime.

 

Next, you see the fancy Starbucks where I enjoyed my afternoon of feeling warm and studying.  This is the upstairs room and only one small section of it - I know impressive and perfect for studying.

 

And the best part of the entire afternoon, other than getting out of the house, feeling warm, enjoying coffee with great service, and finally getting a good start on my Arabic studies...I made a friend! We chatted for a long time and she helped me study and learn some new Arabic words.  Then when I was about to ask for her phone number, she offered it and asked for mine!  Perfect! So after all it was a very good day.

Happy Monday
Enjoy a few pictures from out and about walking yesterday

My street

Landmark - always know I am getting close to home when I see this - and that I am going in the right direction...

 

Just one of the joys...I haven't been in but just love the name

 

Street to buy just about anything you are wanting; food, bags, boots, coats, phones, electrics, random plastic anything...

Lots of random shops like this, never know what you will find inside

And my favorite - the same hotel landmark from before, BUT at night it lights up!  The lights are constantly changing color and I see this every night!  It really is the little things that make a girl happy.

Waking up early and new stuff

Not normally a morning person, my body has decided since moving here to wake up ready for the day at exactly 7am.  I am sure it will wear off just in time for me to start class and need to be up at 7am.
Today I decided to try baking in my new kitchen.  I bought some zucchini last night, along with some apples, and was very proud to ask the price and understand it all in Arabic!  It's the small things that make me happy.  I was also excited to use my new cupcake pans  - thanks Mom!  I am convinced the bunt cake design sticks less.

Also got to use my new measuring cups and measuring spoons - that are just so cute and colorful!

 
In a little bit I will jump back into my language review for the day.  I love school and was so excited to buy a few new school supplies!  I love that I can get everything princess and sparkly to add to all the fun.

Picture Monday

Land of Olives

The View

Hi!

The Dead Sea - I went swimming in this water!  Well I went floating - and loved it.

  MERRY CHRISTMAS 

This year I celebrated Christmas Eve Eve with friends here at my parent's home.

We decorated a lot of yummy cookies, took pictures and enjoyed opening White Elephant gifts.

Cookies for Everyone!

Celebrating Yalda
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12

Yalda is an Iranian celebration on the longest night of the year.  Some of the traditions include eating pomegranate, watermelon, and nuts.  Along with reading of poetry and telling of stories throughout the night.  Until finally the long night is over and light overcomes darkness.
"Because Yalda is the longest and darkest night, it has come to symbolize many things in Persian poetry; separation from a loved one, loneliness and waiting.  After Yalda a transformation takes place - the waiting is over, light shines and goodness prevails."

"Group Picture"

I love being around people who like getting their picture taken!

Family Time