Today is my birthday. I'm 35. Which is only extraordinary in that it is a halfway point between not being able to be trusted any more and "over the hill" complete with black party theme. When I think of how much I have lived in the past five years my mind reels. Of course I am a different person now. I was happy then but I don't think you truly come into your own until 30. I have told you and other friends before. After you turn 30 you stop caring what other people think. And that is the perfect moment to rid your life of the time suckers and things that don't add value. And by god you'd better start telling people who matter that they do and being a grownup they can count on too. And take time to rediscover the stuff you loved in your 20s when you had time for such things and some how got oh so serious and stuffy. I do not have any magical words of wisdom. You are older or younger and have lived so much more than I in all kinds of different ways. That is why I read you or call you or meet you for lunch or banter on the phone. The constant learning that will always be a part of who I am. I seek in you the challenges and insights and strengths and surprises, the humanity that I have always treasured. My birthday wish is to stay connected, to love beyond what I think I am capable of, to be a part of something greater than myself, to make the tiniest impact that perhaps will fall like dominoes.

And an anniversary wish for Holly. Happy three years of loving. Happy wonderful family with your husband and son.