I've had a birthday, shout hooray

Well kids, today is my 23rd birthday.  Ho ventitre anni.  Last year, I went to Charleston for my birthday, and as I drove back, I listened to and contemplated Tom Waits' song " I Don't Wanna Grow Up", but this year, as I think about my future, I do really want to grow up.  I know that I have a lot of good ahead in the next few years and I look forward to those things.  A year from now, I will be one month away from graduating college.  I will be (close to ) fluent in Italian.  I hope to, in the next year, become more friendly and less weird about developing new relationships  My puppy will be 2 years old.  I think, what have I done in the last 23 years?  And while there is nothing HUGE and CATASTROPHIC that I have done, there are a few things I can think of.  I've seen countless beautiful things and I know countless beautiful people.  I have spent 23 years with the most incredible, talented, creative, intelligent, loving and loyal family, individuals that I feel honored to know and love.  I have learned so many fascinating things about the world I live in, which only makes me want to learn more.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has brought me more joy and comfort than I can express.  I took part in the conversion of a young woman who went on to serve a mission, who in turn took part in the conversion of many others.  I have attempted to love those around me and make them smile.  While I recognize that I have done many things in the past 23 years, I still have lots more to do.  CONTINENTS to see.  People to love.  Beauty to admire.  Books to read.  Children to read to.  Someone today said that 23 is not a significant year; I disagree.  Every year is a significant year.  Every year, every day that one lives can be significant and I intend to make 23 memorable.  Significant.  

One year old and wiser, too.