20

So I turn twenty officially in six hours, but the Facebook landslide of birthday wishes has already begun, so I thought it best to go ahead and get the inevitable birthday post out of the way.

For the first time ever, I made myself a birthday present.  It's a personal website.  I'm going to be doing some experimental writing exercises and trying to get feedback on what concepts, topics, material, etc. people like to read about.  I'm also using it as a creative pool to get my ideas down and then be able to discuss them.  But we'll see how it goes.  I'm just determined to not let it turn into a LiveJournal or anything like that.

And as far as my actual birthday goes... I'm spending a vacation weekend with my family.  I don't know what the plan is for tomorrow, but I do believe my mum is planning some kind of super secret special dinner.  And for those of you who don't know, my mother is one of the most amazing cooks of all time.  She seriously missed her calling.

This has been my first vacation in four years, and it has been lovely.  Before Dad and the little sister (as well as the dog) came to join us, we had 24 hours just to ourselves for some mother-daughter bonding time.  We sat and enjoyed each others company.  We listened to classical music, drank tea, went for a walk at sunrise and napped.  I considered it a very productive, successful and relaxing 24 hours. 

But of course it wasn't stress free.  With all the destruction going on the other side of the world, I can't help but worry.  I'm still praying for all of my friends and their families and still waiting very anxiously for one of them to contact me.  But all I can do is pray for Japan, and hope that they can really come together as a country and maybe even the world come together to help everyone. 

It's a very humbling feeling to know that while I'm celebrating my 20th, there are people in Japan who might not get to..... And honestly, my biggest birthday present in the world right now would be if my friend Mari would message or email me back.  Her family is one of the most incredible ones I've ever lived with, and I am indebted to them so much.  So keep praying for Japan, and if you can send a few extra prayers to the Maeda family.