Happy Birthday to Me

This entry’s about me. It’s my birthday, so I have that right : ). Things have changed a lot and right now is definitely a happy time… assuming that I can get my homework done.

As always, my birthday this year followed the two highest holy days of the Jewish year: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. During these holidays, one is asked to recall the events of the past year and to consider their actions. According to the Jewish faith, each year one’s fate is inscribed in the Book of Life, whether they will live another year–”on Rosh Hashana it is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed.” Well, the succession of these two annual calls for reflections has always led me to some fairly strong emotions.

This year is no exception, but in a strange way. I have no doubt contemplated this year like years past, but there hasn’t been the same tone. For better or for worse, I decided not to attend synagogue on the high holidays. I don’t know that I’ll continue to act this way towards my Judaism, but I’m sure that my religious beliefs will either grow much stronger or weaker in the coming year.

As for other personal convictions, there is a lot more clarity. My aims are simpler and more focused. And the things to which I’ve given the last two years continue to become more worthwhile: dance, philosophy, and to a lesser extent things like photography, writing, and guitar. Nothing parallels the feeling that all the time you’ve spent learning something can be worth it.

I guess the only real thought for today is my recurring message of the last month: I’m happy. I owe that to the reasons above, to my friends, and to a great girl I met this summer. Thank you, Kim. And happy birthday to me :-).