Every year, I wait for 3:19 p.m. on January 2. Every year. I remind myself continuously throughout the day... and EVERY YEAR, I forget. I could put a bright yellow post-it note on my forehead to remind myself, and I'd probably forget to look in the mirror. It will be 3:39, or 4:10, or even 3:10 with only 9 minutes left and I'll STILL forget.

Why 3:19? Well, it just so happens that I was born at this time 22 years ago. And guess what. I forgot this year, too. I was sitting at work on a Macintosh computer with the digital time clearly in front of me... but it's no use.

The great thing about birthdays is that it's a great excuse to be able to do WHATEVER you want with a 100% justification. For instance, today I wanted to eat 2 brownies instead of one. "It's ok," I told myself. "It's my birthday."

Then, after work, I walked into Old Navy with the notion to just "look around," but after seeing the 50% off signs covering the store, I silently thought, "Well, I guess it IS my birthday."

After having a special birthday dinner with my 3 sisters, I was driving home and found myself pulling into the parking lot of the tanning salon. "It's 5 below out," I reasoned, "and after all, it's my birthday!"

Now, I realize that this excuse doesn't work for ideas such as, "Well, it's ok to eat that ENTIRE chocolate cake," or "Maybe the car dealership won't care that I took that brand new car if I just tell them it's my birthday." Silly, really, but I just wanted to clarify.

"It's my birthday," IS a great thing to be able to say, and for me, it will be over in 3 short hours. However, it's been a pleasure being 21, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for my 22.

love you all! T