Birthday Eve

On this, the eve of my birthday, I have decided to spend some time pondering all of the many things that I am grateful for as I enter year 24 of life. I have made no secret about my disdain for turning 24 as it seems to mark the end of being a fun guy and the beginning of being a boring guy. I have decided that such thought is folly. Many people in my life have said things like, "Turning 24 doesn't mean the end of being fun or young". Usually, I rolled my eyes at those types of statements. However, there are a lot of things to look forward to in life. There are also a great deal of things to be grateful for. I am grateful for the chance to be home with my family for the final time as a bachelor. I am very blessed to have two wonderful parents who have made all manner of sacrifice for me. Even though I think he is rather absurd at times, I do cherish my brother Taylor a great deal. Watching him grow and mature (slowly) reminds me that the progression of life is...well, progress. I am also grateful for the vast number of friends (who are pretty much family anyway, minus the whole blood relation thing) whom I have had the opportunity to share life with over the year. Each one of you inspires me in some way and I love all of you dearly. Without friends like all of you, life would be so very bland. Thanks for adding brilliant color. I am grateful for so many other things as well (health, music, a job, etc.) and I trust that year 24 (or is it 25) of life will offer many more blessings for which to be grateful. That being said, bring it on age 24...let's see what you're made of. Cheers!

p.s.- In the words of Rufus Wainwright, "I truly loved, which is harder to do than to dream of"

p.p.s.- Happy 22nd Birthday Paul von Kampen...you're in Latvia right now. Have some Absinthe on me