time once again to quickly reflect on who i've become and glance forward to where i'm going. time to take lessons learned and tuck them away in a neat little box. time to roll the number forward by one, drink a glass of champagne, and kiss the first girl who presents herself. no, it's not New Year's Eve. it's my birthday.

my parents, of course, woke me up early to wish me a happy birthday and play the Beatles' "Birthday" to me over the phone. like they do every year. i was prepared this time -- i left the phone by the bed at night so all i had to do was press "TALK" and mumble a few incoherencies. i barely woke up.

but it made me feel special and loved. like it does every year. my friends have pitched in to make my chest full with loved and special. and work is promising me a warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream. even an old girlfriend whom i hadn't spoken to in years found herself in my email inbox with birthday wishes.

i'm not getting a luxury car or a house in the suburbs or even a big, expensive, electronic gadget for my birthday. but what i did get was so much better: an appreciation for the things i already have -- my family, my friends, a great job, a cozy apartment, a wonderful city with lots of great restaurants, and enough sentiment to savor it all.

thank you.