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birthday stuff

We didn't get to Hankou (I've been spelling it wrong for those who've noticed) today. Which is fine. The weather was awful. So much pollution. So I had an hour long massage instead.

5 Sisters is a body massage and facial shop right outside the complex. It's really a massage shop unlike other "massage" shops here that cater to men. Rhoda and I went together. It was wonderful. We had a room with two massage tables, low lighting and soft classical music. Sounds romatic or relaxing. It was relaxing. And it wasn't painful. That's always a plus.

Phil, Madeleine, and I went out for Chinese tonight. It was really good. Phil is teaching class now and Maddie's sleeping.

Phil got me a beautiful jade bracelet. So, two good birthday days.

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This morning I got up around 5:30am. I'm leading a study tonight at a friend's house and so I've had time to this morning to think over what I want to share with my sisters. Our weather cooled off yesterday and this morning it's still cool and the crickets sound so lovely. Something about this morning has reminded me of working at My Favorite Muffin in Clarkesville. I had to get up around 5:30am back then so I could be at the shop at 6am. We opened at 6:30. I was never the only one on the road but it always felt peaceful and fresh driving to the bakery. The baker was always at the shop before me. He would get there around 5am to start the days baking. I really loved that job. It was so simple and predictable but it was just a great job. The sun is just coming up here and it looks like a nice day is coming. This is our last full day with the Littletons here. They'll leave tomorrow night for their flights back to Thailand. I'll miss them.