Today is my birthday!!! The big 23! It's a little weird turning 23. I remember when my sister turned 23 and I thought she was so grown up, responsible and adult-like. And now it's my turn and I feel the exact opposite! I still feel too young and inexperienced. Maybe its the friends I surround myself with who have lived through and seen a lot more than me.... Or maybe, it's my incapability of realising that i am 23... just because I am always the baby in my group of friends I feel younger. The immediate realization that these 'free' years are passing quickly is a slap in the face. I am 23! This year I taking risks. Big ones! And so the chapter begins!

So today is my birthday... Mum greeted me at the dive shop after the MQ1 trip! She looks great! She looks happy! It's awesome to see her! Cheers to the office staff for surprising me with a cake and singing happy birthday! Mum decides to embarrass me with photos of the office but I know she's stoked to be here and see the place I call home! We leave work together by motorbike (to mums delight!) and have a cocktail at phu khao lak with Cato! From there I meet becks back at home and get ready for tonight! In the mean time I get spoilt with presents!

Nong Dow (kitchen hand on MQ1) gave me a big blue bear... Pawaan (cook on MQ1) made me a pancake stack oozing with chocolate... Markko gave me a bottle of red wine... Cato bought me a gorgeous little manta pendant which I now wear attached to my fork bracelet... Mum brought me odds and ends that I needed... Rikki (miss amazing) spoilt me with bikinis, shorts and bronzed (by the way all fit sweet!)... Tuuli gave me a replacement money purse thingo... Meow (my land lord) gave me a thai scarf...And an extra special something from becks :) I have pictures of the card and the presents which I'll have to post! But I was spoilt rotten! Thanks everyone for all the special Presents and warm wishes!

Bithday dinner with Geoff, becks, Cato, tuuli markko and mum at phu khao lak.. Then a surprise party at wicked cafe starting 8:30! An a-frame black board had been out the front whilst I was on the boat with 'prues birthday on the 8th... 8:30pm!!' written!

The night was fun! Too much drink, Irish dancing, tequila shots, red lipstick lots of laughs! Thanks for an awesome night!

Sorry becks for keeping you up whilst I was sick in the bathroom :) I did help clean up the next morning.... !!!

Xxxx