Wow, its hard to imagine another year has flown by..but then again, much has happened since my last birthday. It's been a truly wonderful year...perhaps the best year since I was 9! I've become so much more rounded out and experienced, mostly thanks to a tumultuous relationship that didn't survive per se but taught me many valuable things. Also, I can thank my friends for being so kind and brutally honest with me. I needed them this year more than ever, and they were there for me on the whole. I'm almost afraid that this next year will seem sad, boring and stressful in comparison..but I'm preparing for the worst and hoping for the best =) I am enjoying these last few hours of being young and relatively carefree; not that things will change overnight, but it is a symbolic transmission from one step to the next. The advice I would give someone after living through this past year is (at the risk of sounding terribly trite, but it's only too true): Mistakes happen. They are part of learning and becoming a better person. Don't be afraid to make decisions, for they are what set you on the path to an experienced future. There is something wonderful to be learned from every mistake. Tomorrow will be a highly philosophical birthday. I'll be partying after all my exams are over....so, bring it on, life!!! I'm ready fer ya! ~this singin Irish gypsy