That ridiculous birthday crisis I had a while back ago has brought me into a quiet pool of reflection. There is something that I have always known but it became crystal clear when I had a little conversation with a friend a while ago. I told her that I had a not-so-great birthday and she said, "I could never have a terrible birthday. I have always loved my birthday and I would make sure that everyone knew about it. It is always a time to celebrate."

I remember her enthusiasm. Seven years ago, I was having a sad Valentine's Day because of my high expectations of a too-young boyfriend. I called her up and we celebrated her birthday by dancing night away at 1015 Folsom. She giggled with such delight as she said, "C'mon, we are having way more fun than he could ever have. You are out with your friends and it's my birthday, let's celebrate!!" And we did.

A birthday is ALWAYS a cause for celebration. It is another year spent being alive on this earth. Life is so precious and fleeting. I tend to look at what I don't have instead of what I do have. I may not end up having everything that I want or what society has pressured me to want, but I have so much already. Americans in general don't realize what they have. Perhaps humans in general just have it in their nature to always want MORE. We always want what we don't have.

I thank the stars for what I have and what I have experienced. It's a good life, even with its downs. This post is my little prayer of thanks to the universe for giving me this gift called life.