The best birthday party I had, prior to this one, was when I turned 12. My 21st was pretty cool, too. When I turned 12 I had my whole grade six class come to my party - even boys! I know - can you believe it? My mom still doesn't let me go where there's going to be boys...
Anyhow - it was pretty cool even though my parents insisted on staying. I got a Culture Club tape that I still have and danced with a boy for the first time - but not the boy I wanted to be dancing with!
The next best birthday was when I turned 21 and my friends threw me a surprise party. We played games, ate pizza & cake and got all crazy. This was the time that I dashed upstairs to use the loo, and when I came back everyone had vanished. It was like the twilight zone. The house was pretty big - three floors, but I never thought to look for them all in the tiny downstairs closet. They all had a good laugh.
And that brings me to my present birthday. When I popped into the teacher's lounge during the break between classes, I overheard some Turkish whispers and my name. I glanced into the reflection in the window in the stairwell.
I kid you not. It was a clown.
Good lord, the footwork and craftsmenship that my 7-10s displayed was incredible! They had Molly and Kazim stall me while they prepared the room, but I told Molly I had seen the damn clown. She told me to just act surprised.
Then they had all the other classes show up. Ann & Tobin and the other teachers had a great time - they could tell I'm not exactly a clown person. Lucky for the clown, he didn't try to do anything funny to me. I don't think I have ever been more in the spotlight than I was last night. It was just so sweet.
Only problem is now I've got a super big ego, and when I'm in large crowds I start signing autographs.
At this moment I am in Komotini, Greece, writing this. It's an interesting town, but I'd rather be home , er, Istanbul. Tomorrow I have to get my work papers (Legal at LAst!!) It promises to be a joyful red tape day!
(editor's note: that was and continues to be the best birthday party ever. My students were incredible and it's difficult to forget such warmth)
