For my birthday...

I think I'll cry myself to sleep, thank you very much. Not entirely because I'm sad, but because I'm grateful beyond words.

For a year that brought so much unrestrained joy.
For a year that proved even my life isn't all that bad.
For a year that taught me who I really am and who I'm
definitely not.
For a year that gave me a best friend.
For a year that provided me the strength to say "I'm gay and that's okay."
For a year that made me buff.
For a year that pushed me creatively, intellectually and
spiritually.
For a year that allowed me space and freedom.
For a year in a queen sized bed.
For a year in love.
For a year in the BYU choirs (especially Concert Choir).
For a year of watching Kristen Wiig videos.
For a year of clubbin' and gettin' my freak on.
For a year of Cat Deeley.
For a year of hot springs and road trips.
For a year of starving student cards and shared meals.
For a year of cute underwear and new shoes.
For a year of spooning.
For a year of Britney's comeback and Gaga's ascent.
For a year of long, tight hugs.
For a year with you in my life. Yes, you.

A part of me is also rather disheartened this night-- I've been feeling kind of distant and lonely lately. I think it's the end of the semester and the prospect of change that gets me in a funk, but I'm hoping today will be different. Day 1 of Year 23. There's no better time to refresh than Day 1.