A HECTIC BIRTHDAY

This morning I celebrated my 19th birthday at home with the family. I had to crawl out of bed at 6 a.m. to gear up for the long day ahead, and hours later, I'm still groggy. After opening a few presents, jetting off to school and e-mailing my Binary Star, I'm parked in front of an old computer in the college's academic skills center writing lab, where I tutor on Mondays and Fridays.

After another hour or so in the writing lab, it's off to World Religions, then to a local Chinese restaurant for lunch. I'll have just enough time to get home and change before I have to run off to work, which will be insane tonight because of a downtown district night festival.

This year, I'm not too melancholy about growing older. It's just an indicator that my goals of finishing school and entering the workforce are becoming more reachable. Celebrating this occasion with the massive New Bern contingent of my family will be enjoyable, but there are several friends--one in particular--who will be missed.

Overall, this should be a pleasant birthday. That is, if I can survive the remainder of my 16-hour day and make it through 'til Spring Break.