Happy Birthday!

 The world celebrates a new year on January 1, but for me the new year is on December 4. This great day marks the day of my birth and is a time of reflection. Thinking about what has past this last year, what lessons I've learned, which hopes were fulfilled and which one still sit on the shelf waiting to be picked. It's been almost a week since this great and terrible day, I still feel like I'm in my early twenties instead of late. I found myself on December 4 eagerly baking and cooking homemade cakes and soups so as to give my friends something pleasing to eat, since many eat out or live on the college stable of Top Ramen. While doing so, I reflected on my birthdays in the last ten years, my favorite has been those I have spent preparing things for others. Making bread, soups, cake etc... leaves me feeling accomplished and productive, not too mention I do enjoy the compliments (wether sincere or affected I care not.) Food is a sneaky and easy way my personality gains appreciation.  People always appreciate good food and it's easier than most people think, it is a huge source of satisfaction to do something so simple, knowing that most people think it to be a very complicated task, then receive praise for doing this simple yet seemingly complex task. Hurrah!  So here I am at the start of another year, in a few short weeks the world will start their new year, resolutions ill kept will be given in abundance by those who would improve themselves in leaps and bounds instead of in small and simple ways. My only resolution is to find those small and simple ways to improve my life, and by consequence, improve the lives of those I know and love. I hope to be able to recognize learning opportunities when I come across them and not murmur or complain because it appears or feels difficult. I hope to remember that I can do hard things and that life is full of so much joy; that like and orange one must squeeze every drop out of it, and by doing so will live a healthier life. I do not regret the life I've lived thus far nor my situation. I can't imagine things being different, tho at times I sometimes wish they were. May everyone on their birthdays, instead of dreading the increasing years, live in such a way that they may glory in a life well spent and look forward eagerly to the blessing in store.