Year 24

It's the eve of my birthday, a Friday evening, and I am seated in mock isolation within the confines of 9-square meter cubicle. I am trying to rack my brains about something... or anything special that can be linked to the number 24. However, to no avail. My hard drive cannot recall a song, a fancy saying or a Carrie Bradshaw quote that mentions anything fabulous about being 24. (Twenty-three was so much better. I was finally able to quote Plumb in one of my favorite songs, Real. But it ends there.)

Anyhoo, just to stop myself from concluding that 24 is indeed boring, I'd like to see this year as a challenge. You know, I like goals—coiling, aiming and shooting at them. So, I take Year 24 as a year to let all my realistic quarter-life dreams (and wild fantasies) happen while at the same time, preparing for the next big thing at 25, my silver year. After all, I won't be as young as I currently feel when I step on the silver ladder. (So will there be a big party next year? We'll see. Work hard, party harder, right?)

Ugh. Does that mean forever ditching my denim minis and not skipping around the office when no one is watching? And... less baby talk?

I'm such a kid. I know. Krissy will probably outgrow baby talk faster than I ever would.

Anyway, I thank God for giving me a great year. It was a year of firsts, a bit of accomplishments, a couple of meaningful friendships, some trials and a few imagined heartbreaks. What matters most is that I came out of 23 as a better person... though partly disappointed at reviving an old harmful habit.

I am thankful that I have my family intact and that I have a home and a beautiful daughter to go home to everyday. Also thankful that I have a job that allows me to exercise my creativity and meet people from various walks of life.

Earlier this month, I came up with a wish list but I honestly do not feel like I really wanted most of them. (But yes, I am thankful I have yet to make use of a free waxing privilege and that I have received chocolates from various non-romantic sources within the past week.)

As I told someone today, I am wishing for something that money cannot buy. Happiness—for me and the people I care about. I believe I am quite in that state in spite of my make-believe struggles and heartaches. I love the drama. But seriously, as of the moment, I find no gaps in my contentment continuum. I am whole. I guess I just get really bothered whenever I see loved ones being jaded or fighting some inner demons. I hate it.

But as I learned in my speaking engagement this week, happiness is a personal effort so my real wish is for God to give me opportunities. Meaning, opportunities to be happy and to make others happy. Along those lines, I wish for opportunities to make things finally happen.



My heartfelt thanks to everyone who made their advance greetings... including the crazy guys who sang me a loud birthday song in PLPI's elevator.

It wouldn't hurt to wish for a spankin' sexy pair of shoes this year. Just look at these hot pair of CL boots donned by Blake Lively on her birthday. Some birthday boots! :p