It was my birthday a week ago (and I still forget that I’m 23 haha ^^”).

In the morning I had a 2hr lecture that sapped my youth. The lecturer was old and boring and so was the topic…

BUT! Then I went to eat lunch with my friends at an Asian restaurant: Sakura. For the most part we had the restaurant to ourselves and the food was so good! I was so hungry so I got Yasai Yaki Soba. I love tofu, so I will inevitably enjoy whatever has tofu in it haha

We then got cake and went to a 24hr café and chilled and ate pudding.

Later in the evening we then went to Wabisabi for dinner. Eating here had not been planned, but I’m so happy that we all thought about going and agreed. The food was so good and the resturant was really cute! I had vegetable ramen with a side of steamed rice.

I then had caramel ice cream and it was so good~ The staff overheard that it was my birthday and they came out with a cute little mochi and they sang happy birthday. That was embarrassing, but not as embarrassing as I thought it would be. It was around 10:30pm so there weren’t many people there.

I’m really grateful for my friends for coming out and spending their time with me to celebrate my birthday. I’ve met some really lovely people here in Cork~

So, thank you Mark, Irina, Mistura and Jen for creating memories with me on my birthday ❤

3 Pieces of Advice at twenty3

• Everyone has their own pace and being “behind” people your own age and/or friendship group is nothing to be ashamed of. I’m learning this so much through my time abroad.
• Asking for help doesn’t make you weak and it’s a good achievement. I’ve been to counselling several times and sometimes it’s more successful than others, but asking is always a success.
• You aren’t alone. There will be someone who is willing to help or listen. As someone who has anxiety and depression this can sometimes feel impossible, but I’ve always found help/an open ear in my family/friends and even people online.

Thanks for reading! I hope you are having a lovely day~