Thank you thank you thank you!!

Hands down, no joke, this is the greatest birthday present I've ever received.  It made it even better that with finals and running around like a chicken with my head cut off to get things together for my trip to India, I didn't actually sit down to complete the puzzle Peter mailed me (which of course led me to this fantastic, wonderful, amazing website) until today - the 24th.  I've always been a fan of extending birthdays, and apparently helped myself out with that this year.  

And since y'all were in on this huge surprise (100% serious - I had no idea. none. nada. you duped me. and i LOVE it), I figured you might be interested to see exactly HOW my birthday was celebrated...pure bangladeshi/sri lankan/indian style...at midnight on the 22nd, I heard a crazy loud knock on my door.  my roommates, who had been particularly interested in keeping conversation going since getting back from dinner gave me a cute little look, that look like, "we know what's going on but you don't have a cluuuuuue"...obviously. 

three or four of my students (out of a class of 12) were standing outside my door with flowers.  Before i could even utter a 'thank you' they grabbed my arm and pulled me up three flights of stairs to our extracurricular room...

which had been decorated with handmade cards from all of them, balloons, small little cards hung from the ceiling, and in the center of the room was a table laden with cake, paratas, soda, presents and confetti (can't leave out the confetti...they love it here).

The tradition in this neck of the woods is to celebrate your birthday at midnight, right when you turn a new age.  Might explain why the birthday girl is always a bit sleepy in class the next day...

My students were amazingly gracious and adorable (they're 18-20 years old, but they really were adorable)...as you can tell from the pictures below they insisted on all feeding me bits of cake (not the most comfortable thing after a huge dinner and cake not even 2 hours earlier...).  It was one of those situations where I wanted to show my utmost appreciation without offending my students --- they really don't have much money and the fact that they went to the trouble to do all this and get me presents was definitely unnecessary. so sweet though.  

Made me feel a little bad about having to give them an exam at 9am the next morning...

Another tradition that we've picked up on is that on your birthday, YOU give out sweets/candies/chocolates to everyone else.  So therefore on Monday I had two boxes of chocolates that were gone within 20 minutes after our exams let out...word moves quickly through a building of 140ish people, apparently.   

I don't think i've ever been more unsuccessful in trying to play down my birthday...the students would have none of it.  Even today, Tuesday, one of my students ran up to me with her phone to show me a text message she got from her parents - "Tell Miss Kate we wish her the happiest of birthdays..."  The genuine care and enthusiasm I've been the unsuspecting recipient of has only strengthened my love for bangladesh and the community i've found myself a part of... however, i do miss everyone back stateside terribly!! this wonderful site has only reinforced to me the fact that i have the best friends in the world, and i can't wait until i AM back at home with y'all --- thank you so so so so so much to everyone who helped with this in any way! Seriously, hands down, no question, greatest birthday gift I've ever got.   Let me know how life is, wherever you are. LOVE YOU ALL, MEAN IT, from the bottom of my heart!! <3 kate

one of my students stuffing my face. thanks.

a look of surprise and, "well, what the heck do i do NOW?"

my wonderful homeroom class (did i mention they wouldn't let any of my other students attend the festivities at first? ...slightly protective, which makes it all the more endearing)

not only was there food, presents and decorations, but OF COURSE music, dancing and the ever-famous blind man's bluff

To that lovely little ball of sunshine...

  That'd be you lady! Firstly a very happy birthday to you, with much in the way of cake and ice cream and other wondrous sticky treats!! I do so hope thine time in Bangladesh is treating you well and that they all love you as much as we do!

   Secondly, I'm at Silver Bay and having a cracking time, but keep expecting you to pop out from behind a tree or convenient bush and cry, 'surprise!' Yet you haven't yet....

   I'm sure you're still smiling that amazing grin of yours and making everyone around you feel special, just like you do here, and possibly even teaching them some english along the way!

       Many happy returns and you'd better do so too, right?!

              With love and hairy great hugs,

                    Tim

Rin Loves Kate

Ok so just think that I am singing to you.

Happy happy birthday may all your dreams come true Happy happy birthday I really love you Happy Birthday !!!!!!

I love you kate oh yes I do  love you Kate and I'll be true when you're not near me I'm blue oh Kate I love you!!!!

This is your Birthday song it isn't very long.

Happy Birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday dear Kate Happy Birthday to you!

So there is you birthday songs from me.

So Why I love kate... Let me think... there are so mean reasons I don't know where to start.

You makes me feel great! 

Always love me what ever mood I am in.

You are soooooo much fun to be around!

You are cute!

You are so giving of your self and your gifts

You come up with coolest stuff

You always know how to make me feel better

Your support gets me though a lot

Your input is so valuable 

You are going to save the world

You can make anything fun

You got me though the hard stuff (so I can be where am today)

And so so much more.

Know that I love you and that I am thinking of you on Your birthday sending fun and happy wishes!  Also I am going to get SKYEP for your birthday.  Make sure that you have tons of fun and be very silly on your day!  

Also I can't wait to plane our trip in Jan.  

Love you 

Rin

PS I hope I posted this to you before you read the blog (I am doing this last min Sorry!)

PPS I love Peter!

a few memories and wishes....

Dear Kate-

So as an addition to my last horrid rhyming post for your burthdqay, I thought I'd send a few more wishes and memories your way. First off, I miss you terribly, Sundays in Admin aren't the same without you. I'm sitting here doing the first one of the season, and there's nothing more I'd love to have than my dear, darling friend Kate here with me. But, I know that you are over there, in Bangla, doing your thing and bringing joy to the lives of others right now.

So a list of memeories...and a few photos to go along (wooHOO!)

You and me...and superheroes...this is hands down one of my fav pictures and memories. We used the "bunting" that Chip had laying around to create probably THE BEST 4th of July coustumes E-V-ERRRR. I think I have about three copies of this picture and I hang it up no matter where I'm living, LOVE IT!!

Matching sweatshirts at the best (and only) party I was to at North Pond. AMAZING night...AMAZING people...AMAZING PICTURES!!! That night was epic in my book, and the memories resonate with me still. I was so thankful for probably the bst group of peopleEVER to be out with that night. Y-O-U included!!!

Ooooh....before I forget...that night...the NP night...the dinner out on the lake/boat with the slow dance (that you and Chels had to sadly sit out on cause Brian and Collin were being weenies) and then......

...watching the sunset over the mountain for one last night all together (thank you Mr. Pacala for making all this happen!) and listening to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and tearing up, because as we all now know, there ain't no maountain high, ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough baby, if you need me call me, no matter where you are, NO MATTER HOW FAR...

Then we had a chance to spend New Years together...my, oh my what fun (it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!..haha) Snow football, the NYE Brunch, MORE snow football, the random party at Bill Coopers's house, coming back to snuggle up and watch dirty dancing...such a great time!! Can't forget the spur of the moment gift exchange (who knew you could get such quality stuff at Wal-Mart for such little money!!!).....

and then...we found our own calling of BASKET MAKING!!! I'm sure the Ellings still will remember the basket that we made them...and I know, for a fact, that the picture that we gave them is still displayed in their dining room (Chels and I were just there the other night).


So in honor of your special day, I will make it a point to go down to our dear old friend George (the lake that is) and send out a birthday wish to you. I wish you the happiest of days, and the knowing that even though you are far far away, that you are in our hearts and thoughts more than you know. You are an amazing person Miss Kate and I feel truly blessed to be able to call you my friend.

Sending my love...and a GREAT BIG HUG....Arion =)

it's only just started friend

now, i know its only been a couple of months, but doesn't it feel like years? i still think that we are pretty much the same person sometimes. but, i also think that i can't compete with all of your other amazing friends, seriously, 70 post -- i don't even know that many people. its cuz your cool, or something like that. i hope you are able to have a fantastic birthday in the gong.....making fun, and maybe making friendship. i will do my level best to help you have a good day. maybe we can go for shopping and then take some lunch, it will be too much fun. and after that we can grade some exams, and try not to stab ourselves with pens!!!!! okay, i think this proves that i am a weirdo to all those reading this blog, and especially to you. oh, i gotta go, you are calling me....
oxoxox seriously so lucky to have you here as a fellow teacher and roomate.
angela
ps can't wait to meet you peter!

Dear kate, I just got back from the poster store
So thought I'd sit down and post some more.

And knowing your birthday should be bombastic,
I thought fully composed a limerick:


There once was a young girl from NOVA
Who traveled the entire world Ovah
Her smiles were bright
Her Irish Dancing was tight
An everyone she met was lucky to know her.

Sorry if this Limerick is lame.
Most birthday poems sound exactly the same.

Perhaps if there was more time,
I'd come up with some much better rhymes.

It would be easier, it's true.
If I were as creative and brilliant as you.


But until then, let me just say,
in a most emphatic and heart felt way,
That even when proverbial skies are gray,
You make the world better in a real big way.

Happy Birthday!
(It's what they say in the U.S. of A)

Love,
Sam

have a hippity hoppity hop happening birthday

Shubo Janmo Din Miss Kate!!!

Hope you have a lovely day proctoring and marking literature tests on your birthday he he.

So great to have you here in Bd, you're very much fine :p
May all your wishes come true
xo~ Carly

How could I let the 23rd birthday of Kate,
Go by without a poem to celebrate?

I know a lyrical post is a bit cliche,
But so is Sam's mention of his best friend, Patrick Fay.

I hope you have the wonderful birthday that you deserve,
Which includes cheese cubes that should have been refrigerator preserved.

You're beautiful, smart and a real go-getter,
I'm sure all in Bangla are saying, "I'm so glad I met her".

I love you, miss you, and wish you the best birthday,
You are the best. There is nothing more to say!

Happy happy birthday, Kate! I hope you have a great celebration in Bangla. We are always thinking about you and have no doubt that you are making such a difference in the young girls' lives. Thank you for being such a great friend. Love you x 4.

Love,
Megan

Shuvo Janmodin

I figured since it was your birthday I would post a picture of you dressed up in your finest.  Well, acutally, It was one of the only photos I had of you, but I think its a good one.  I feel it really captures the essence of Kate; flip-flops, tight black pants, ridiculous makeup and, of course, reflectors.  I hope that you have a great birthday and an even better vacay....Woohoo!!! Thanks for all your support.  SHUVO JANMODIN!!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Alles Gute Zum Geburtstag!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!! I don't know what I'm doing now that 2/3 of the Kate/Kate/Katie trio is on the other side of the world. The western hemisphere is seriously lacking without you in it . . . seriously. I miss you lots!! And am extremely excited for and jealous of all of your adventures and new experiences (in a good way). We'll have to go on some crazy adventures TOGETHER once you get back. I hope this little rainbow has brightened up monsoon season a bit :) I can't wait until I get to talk to you again. Until then . . . enjoy everything that is Bangladesh and know that I am always thinking of you. Miss you!!!
LOVE, Kate - MN
(which, fyi, is where I currently am located - there's a long email update headed your way soon, I promise :)

Happy Birthday, My Love!

Fair Kate,

My birthday wishes may lack visual aid (i.e. pictures of OUR matching tattoos, which I figured you wouldn't want me to include since I'm not sure who else knows about them), or a clever song/poem (I don't have the same crazy skill that the second floor girls of Fitzhugh displayed in their cover of "Your body is a wonderland") so I will make up for these shortcomings with sheer enthusiasm! I will display said enthusiasm for your birthday, and more specifically for your overwhelming awesomeness with egregious use of exclamation points! Yeah! You are great! Whoo hoo!

Since this is likely the 6.7 billionth post you've read for your birthday (If you are interested in how I arrived at this figure, I'll let you know. It's surprisingly complicated! I took the % of people I have ever met who love you and would be willing to do whatever they could to post something for your birthday (100%! That's a high percentage! (I'm using parenthesis within parenthesis within parenthesis! This is a special post! Did I mention you are great!)), then I applied that % (100%! Remember! That's a great approval rating!) to the population of the earth (estimated at 6.7 Billion according to my good friends at Wikipedia)! I was thinking of factoring in some variables which could have reduced the figure (I don't have electricity, I live in a mountain 6,000 miles from the nearest computer, I've never met Kate Meehan, etc.), but I do not believe any of these scenarios would have been serious enough to keep somebody from making their way to a computer to wish you a happy birthday. Thus, the figure stands at 6.7 billion!))) ... where was I? Oh yeah, you've just read 6.7 billion posts so I'll keep my message to you short and sweet...

I miss you terribly and am jealous of the good people of Bangladesh for getting to be around you. I consider myself fortunate to call you a friend, and wish you have a wonderful time for your birthday and every day beyond :).

All the best,

Eric

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy, Happy Birthday my dear! I miss you SOOOOO MUCH and can not wait for you to return to the states. I'm sorry I've been MIA for forever but know that I've been thinking about you bunches! When you return save a little vacation time to come down to New Orleans-- I'll be there for the next two years-- and I promise you nothing but fun. I love you SO much and miss you dearly but I hope you are having the best birthday ever, you deserve nothing but the best. Lots of love and hugs and kisses for you when I see you.

love,

Cakey

ROOmie,
Bonne Anniversaire! I am sending you these wishes from an internet café in Paris. I hope you have a fantastic day and know that everyone at home (or not at home) is thinking of you. When and where will I see you again?? On verra, but until then... you take care.

LOVE,
Sarah

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday darlin'

I just want to take a moment to thank you. To thank you for all that you do. Thank you for being a dreamboat and the perfect cuddling size. Thank you for inspiring us all with your work and changing the world around you for the better. But most importantly, thank you for being you, the most incredible person that I know.

Today is your day and I hope that it is an amazing one and the start of another fantastic year in your life. I hope you enjoy every second of your time in Bangladesh and learn as much from your time there as the knowledge you are passing on to your students. I also hope you realize how insanely jealous we all are of your students and teachers for stealing you away for the year.

We miss you back at home, at school, and at the Bay. Miss your smiling face and all the happiness that it brings to us. I miss our impossibly long phone conversations and dates all over the country, soon to be the world. You bring so much joy to my life and have left an impression on me that I will forever remember. I cannot begin to tell you how excited and happy I am that I get to see you in just a month.

From the bottom of my heart I wish you a happy birthday and that your day is filled with a smile. I'm thinking about you always.

Keep it on the positive, and love your life

Happy birthday!

Love,
Peter

Happy Birthday

Kate, I'm definately not as creatvie as your other talented friends, but i still wanted to wish you a good old happy birthday. I hope everything is going well in Bangledesh, and wanted to let you know that if you have any time off to travel, I would love to see you in Perth this fall (I have no idea how close the two are, but at least were in the same hemisphere... I think...) You were a big part of making the bay what it was last summer, and I can't wait to get bagles again with you some time in D.C. Happy Birthday!! -DEEK

Happy Birthday to my FIRST BEST Silver Bay Friend

Ohh my friend. This place certainly is different without you. But what a great JOY it is to be sitting on the INN PORCH looking out at the Lake writing YOU a HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOTE!!

What can I even say? I hope you are doing great over there in BANGLADESH and that they know how to sing a girl a GREAT happy birthday song! I wish I could express how happy I am for Bangladesh that it has gained a Kate Meehan Meehan Meehan!! Here at the bay we've begun to call Spengler SPANGLADESH in your honor....that's how much we think about you and how much you mean to this place and these people!! You've left Chels and I with some big shoes to fill with JPal too!

Some of my favorite memories with you include looking at yearbooks across the lake, leaving one another notes on paper plates and messages at the front desk, ENAMELING in the dark craft shop for a week straight instead of sitting out in the sun just to be with MY FRIEND every possible moment. I also love that we got to spend 3 years EMPing together as "old people" and not as campers anymore. Basically I could share memories forever, but that really isn't necessary. Let's suffice it to say that you've got a big chunk of my heart and I miss you tons.

I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU.
This is me, Christine Lee Nystrom, wishing YOU the happiest of birthdays!
Wishing all the best to one of the very best!

LOVE YOU SO MUCH

love,
Christine

sistas from anotha motha

ok..... so we may pass as sisters. maybe its because we dress the same

like this..............

or we like the same activities.......... like yoga

and canoeing..........

or it could be because we get tattoos in the same places...........

and make the same facial expressions every now and again..........

uhhh, maybe a lot............

ok, actually, all the time!!!!

and, we do eat the same things.............

and communicate in this crazy way, without saying a word................

and we tend to stare at each other..............

especially when we laugh in exactly the same way and annoy everyone within a 13 foot radius................

needless to say, im still walkin' with a limp because my other half isn't here.

miss you princess angelwings.

Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bon anniversaire!

Dearest Meehan Meehan MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMm Pretty Princess Face,

Um, I did not think that anyone could top your cuteness, but Peter is giving you a run for your money. Seriously, how sweet/creative/awesome is this birthday blog? Thanks for making all of our lives so much brighter with your greatness. You are a very, very special person and I am completely honored to know you. I hope you are having a very special B-day. I miss you tons and love you lots. See you in January?!?!

xoxo,
Meggers

MONAGHANS LOVE KATE!

KATE!

I hope you are having an amazing time and absolutely living it up over there! Also, I hope that your birthday brings tons of peach Andre, Queso, Kelly Clarkson. Love you mucho, girl, and give me a call the next time you are in the States!

love,
Wallace

Happy Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Kate!!!
Thank you for all that you are doing to make the world a better place- you are a super hero!!!
Soon enough you will be leaving Bangladesh behind

and jetting back to the US

But don't forget all the adventures you've had along the way...



And all the good food you've eaten...



So for now: Stay Dry, Stay Strong, and know that we are all thinking of you today, and EVERY day, and are very proud to know you!

Love,
Bronwyn

"i love you love you love you.....I love you love you love"

I know this girl named kate
I love you love you love.
And she is peters mate
I love you love you love
Kate has a pretty face
I love you love you love
If you try to hurt her ill spray you with mace
I love you love you love
She may ba far away
I love you love you love
But I think about her everyday
I love her love her love

I love you miss meehan meehan meehan
mmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmm mmmmm love you love
Because youre my sister and my best friend
I love you love you love.

Ill see you in less than a year
i love you love you love
and all your stories i can twait to hear
i love you love you love

have an amazing birthday
i love you love you love
and drink beer when your thirs-tay
I miss you love you love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yay birthdaying:)

deeeear kate,
um, i'm not sure if you can tell or not...but everyone here in the states is missing you and wishing you a super happy birthday! including me!:) i hope things are going well for you across the ocean! hope you have a fantassstic birthday!
love, ally reesman

Here comes the sun

Mr Sun...Sun...Mr Golden Sun, please shine down on me

A little birdie tells me you haven't seen the sun for a few days, so I figured I'd at least bring it to you today because lets be honest, you deserve it






And a beautiful sunrise to start your day off right







Happy birthday and I hope your day is filled with sun and smiles :)

PS YOU ROCK!

Dear Kate,

I am luckier than most as I am one of the few who will be spending your birthday with you! Happy 23rd (my young friend)! Your students are very lucky to have you inspiring them to do great things everyday. I hope this 23rd year in Bangladesh will be one of your best and most memorable.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

love,
Jill

PS I think this Peter dude is a keeper.

Happy Birthday Kate!
I hope you're doing well and enjoying yourself. I'm sorry I couldn't visit you on my trip. Happy Birthday again.

Kat

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Kate,
Wish you Happy Birthday!!
I hope you have a wonderful day.

Keep up the good work. Glad to have you on this team.

Enjoy..:)
Mahmuda

edit: you can kind of see HC in there too : )

Shubho Jonmodeen Ms.Kate!

Happy b'day from level 8 young miss! May your birthday turn out to be absolutely FABULOUS and may a celebrational beer or two manage to float your way!!!
It's wonderful to have your bright little soul here and although it's clear that you are well and truly missed back home, I know that the students here adore you TOO MUCH MAAAM:)

lots of love,
Niki

Happy Birthday

As you celebrate your special day
there's just a few things I want to say.

First of all it would be
that although you're in Bangladesh...this is still a jubilee!

On your special day I hope you have a party in class
and if I were Catholic I would go to mass.

Then I would get down on one knee
and laugh and giggle with such glee.

Why after all I'd be thinking of you
and we stick together just like glue.

On June 23rd I'll wear a business suit
and around the world dressed in traditional wear you'll look cute!

What I'm trying to say here
is that I miss you madly my dear.

And though we are separated by miles apart
please know you are occupying my heart!

Happy Birthday to my bff Kate,
the one and only who is oh so great!!

I love you, Happy Birthday :-D

KATE MEEHAN!!

Happy happy birthday. I miss you sooooo much. I would love to see you teaching and I hope you are having an amazing time in Bangladesh, I know you are. I'm so glad we get to gchat occasionally but its better than nothing! I can't wait to see you in person again and hear all your news. I hope your birthday is as wonderful as you are.

Love you TONSSS,
Sunita

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Dear Miss Katie Meehan,

Happy birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Happy Birthday to you!! (sang in the obx dinsey version obvi) ahh i miss you and i wish that i could be there to celebrate with you! You are amazing and the world is a better place because of your birth!

I hope that you had/are having a fabulous time in India! I want to hear all about Kerela and if you found flynns saucy dreamboat or not!

OH! I cooked some thai for the fam today. sooo delicious. Made me think of our crazy hung over cooking instructor. oh pai haha. oh how i miss traveling with you!

anyways i can't wait for our SKYPE date. I LOVE YOU-mean it (obvi)

Sarah

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOOOOOVE!

Kate Meehan Meehan Meehan,


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I miss you soooooo much but I know you are doing amazing things right now! I hope it is everything you hoped it would be! I love you x a million zillion!

Cant wait to see your smiling face again,

AMY THOMPSON!!

Let's go somewhere!

Happy birthday darling!!
Spring has spring and I'd like to go hiking with you. I know we've never been hiking, but I think you'd take care of me. And wouldn't laugh at me when I made the tent fall down and set fire to our sleeping bags.
Or we could go on a roadtrip to Cville? Colonnade?
Monaloooooove,
Serenaxx
Ps. On going through my photos I found an awful one of us at Monticello, but I will do us both a favour and skim over that...
Every time I write on this thing I get so effing confused- I'm not 80, I'm not completely useless and yet I always cause chaos when I try to sign in... sigh.

Let us celebrate...

...To a day on which an extraordinary miracle happened! Let us celebrate today the joy that is Kate. Girl, you are stupendous and every day since then has been a blessing. Thanks for changing worlds...thanks for changing my world. You're amazing!

I love you a bushel and a peck

A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck! COME BACK HERE SO I CAN GIVE YOU A HUG! I think about you and always hope that you are still smiling ear to ear! I can't think of a better way to be celebrating your birthday than with a cute boy in another country ;) I hope all of your birthday wishes come true! I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO COME HOME! I MISS YOU WITH ALL OF MY LITTLE HEART! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING WOMEN I HAVE EVER KNOWN!

Love,
Kim

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!

I hope it's a great one!

-Chris

Birthday!!!!!!!!

Kate,

Happy, happy, happy birthday!I hope that all of your world travels are treating you well and that you're having a blast in Bangladesh :) I'm currently in India and wish that I could just hop the border and say hello to you! I'm sure that teaching English is not always easy, and you're amazing for taking on such a challenge. Have a fantastic day, and hopefully I'll hear about your travels soon!

xox,
Nandita