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Published: October 11th 2010
It's weird to think how much information is out there about all of us. It's not something that particularly bothers me and I know that I am not as careful about my personal data as I ought to be, but every now and again it hits home. It was my birthday on Saturday and I received no less than 6 emails wishing me a happy birthday from companies to whom I've given my date of birth including the Scouts Association, the Slug and Lettuce, the National Lottery and Park Run. Like I say, doesn't bother me, but does make me think.
So, my birthday. Based on my previous experiences of going out here, the rubbish music, the smoke and the expense, I really didn't fancy a night out on the town so we planned a picnic in the square. The day started overcast but soon warmed up and I regretted my decision to wear jeans. I met Tarik and Amanda on the way to the supermarket and they kindly paid for all the food we got (which was far too much really, but we like to be prepared!) Actually, that was a lucky escape for me. Normally in China, the
birthday girl would have to treat all of her guests. For a small picnic like mine that would have been fine, but imagine if I had loads of friends or lived in a big city! Tarik told us that he didn't realise this when he first came to China so when Benny's birthyda came round he organised a party with people from work. Benny was so cross when he found out Tarik then cancelled it saying Benny didn't want a fuss, or was going home to see his parents or something. It would have been really expensive! This one guy had bought Benny a present on the premise that he would be going to this party, but when it was cancelled he took it back! Honestly, sometimes I think no-one does anything nice here without an ulterior motive.
Anyway, my picnic. We had baguettes, tomatoes, cheese, crisps (proper pringles no less!) and rotisserie chicken followed by melon. It was really lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Randomly, when we were in the supermarket Happy Birthday came on the sound system, but it wasn't for me - it's just a song over here rather than having any significance.
I
went to work after where I had a lovely skype chat with emma and was serenaded by her and her dad and even my kindergartners weren't *quite* so naughty!
Today I'm being very productive. My online GMAT preparation course has started so I sat a 3.5 hour diagnostic (I'm very good at verbal reasoning and very shit at maths - what a surprise) and have spent another few hours doing some online workshops. I think we're heading round to Tarik's later for dinner and Scrabble. The only problem I foresee is that we are bother very competitive so I feel sorry for our teammates! Tarik and I went out running yesterday. He likes to go faster than me so I got a really bad stitch but we still managed 5 miles. I know that he could have done more, faster without me but his geography is terrible so he'd probably have gotten lost if he'd gone on without me!
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Rachel
non-member comment
a different birthday
hey Zahra Looks like you had a super birthday... definately one to remember! sending lots of love overseas. Rach x