"euphoria."

and just like that...my birthday has come and gone. i'm finally 21. though it feels good to be legal...i don't quite feel any significantly different or older or mature in any way whatsoever. the only real difference i can tell is the whole "i can walk around responsibly with a drink like it's nothing." my birthday was so chill that it didn't even feel like my birthday until night. i had el torito with my entire class...which is an impressive feat since we all usually don't eat together and have our cliques and what not. i unsuccessfully went shopping...a whole lot of emphasis on unsuccessfully. oh well...i still enjoyed the time i spent carousing. i went to mass. i had dinner with my family and friends at my house which had to be the highlight of the day for me. rachel said it best when she told me later on that it was one of the best moments of her life because she felt so much love in the house and appreciated just everyone enjoying each other's company in all its simplicity. i totally agree! i truly have the best friends God can provide!

the good times only got better when i hosted a dinner party at the leelins residence last night. first and foremost...i'm so grateful to mike and anavie for their hospitality and generosity in providing me with a most suitable environment for my birthday. thanks to marc, mike l, mike j, bojie, james, daynee, jenny, david, and everyone i forgot to mention for all the gifts. my party was literally was one of the highlights of my life. good food, good drinks, good activities, and good people. i enjoyed every moment and every person in attendance. from the people that were there before the party to the people that could only make a cameo to the people that were there at the very end...i thank you all. you truly have blessed the night and the rest of my life with your friendships and presence. everybody had a great night based on the feedback and that's what really counts in the long run.

i'll be real with everyone. i'm not one to have memorable birthdays. starting with my 18th birthday dinner at t.g.i. fridays...i have had a 3-year streak of birthday celebrations that didn't feel complete. the dinner at royal buffet and then at jade palace...i couldn't say i was totally content with how i celebrated my 18th, 19th, and 20th birthday. there was always something wrong or something that kept me from really letting go and having the time of my life. but...my 21st birthday definitely changed all that. i've never felt more satisfied or happy with celebrating this life in progress. i finally let go, let God, and let love and joy really do its thing. for all this and more...i live a beautiful life.