To 24

Another year older.  Another year --- wiser? Maybe not wiser, but certainly more reflective. As if I haven't delved into my inner self enough these last couple of posts and turned my (mis)adventures and  journeys in New York and London into a LiveJournal.

The 24th Birthday certainly felt different. At least I had hoped it would be different. I was looking forward to celebrating in a truly classy fashion. To some extent I did, but naturally the pre-party killed it for me. On Dec. 10th, a co-worker won a free open bar from 6-7 p.m. which to me translated into drink as many jack and cokes as humanely possible within that hour because they are free. Oh and don't have dinner because that would just kill your buzz. Five hours later and still 23 years old, I find myself in a position that equate too well with all birthdays past--- hovering over the toilet bowl and tasting the jack and cokes for the second time. 

That set the tone for the rest of my birthday. I couldn't make it to work. I couldn't eat all day. I sat on my couch and watched movies all day. Luckily, the day was gloomy and rainy so I wasn't missing out on much, but the sheer fact that I felt bedridden killed it for me. Not to mention that I thought I'd be a bit more of an adult at 24 that I wouldn't drive myself to that point. In all fairness, I was still 23 and stupid when it happened-- so I can't really beat myself up too badly.

Conversely, I had made dinner reservations at Lavagna for 8 p.m. The place is known for its  homestyle Italian cuisine. It's a quaint little place lit by candles and garnished with the subtleties that make an establishment feel warm and intimate. We sat at the only round table in the restaurant. There were six of us. This year I had decided to keep the number way down from the 18 or so I had attend last year. I wanted to keep it close with good friends. 

In attendance were my oldest friend of the bunch MS, my old London bloke CM and gf MH, my confidant JH and newest rock climbing partner MM. A solid group of folk who made the conversation easy, appreciated the food and made 24 exactly what I wanted it to be complete with an assortment of Crumbs cupcakes for our eating pleasure thanks to MM. 

There's no question that tacking on another year to one's life is a cause for re-evaluating your current state. At least in my eyes it means taking a step back and visualizing where it was I thought I'd be at this age and how drastically different my life has really turned out to be. Looking around the table last night, I realized that I've had an incredible journey the last two years living in New York. Mainly because I was surrounded by friends both new and old. To me the greatest testament to any journey is looking at the people you've picked up along the way. I've kept true to my goal of only surround myself with positive people who fulfill my life. 

I have high hopes for 24. I think it'll be a successful year for me not unlike 23 was. For my sake, I hope it brings me more clarity and perspective into the direction I continue in. Perhaps the greatest thing of all though is that no matter how fast the years have gone by since 18 (really I can't even believe its been 6 years already) I still feel very young. 

I know there is so much left for me to learn. Here's to hoping that 24 continues to teach me about love, life and that relentless quest for happiness. Here's to 24.