Birthday

I’m sorry I can’t be there today.

Every birthday is a portrait of girlhood and growing up in the intolerable twilight of our teenagedom.

So, for those of you looking to celebrate your upcoming birthday with something small and fresh, here’s a list of stores near Berkeley that have birthday rewards for customers enrolled in their loyalty program!

Life thus far is definitely not what my past self expected, both in good ways and bad. Although I’m sad I’m turning the last page to the 20th chapter of my life, I can’t wait to see what this new chapter has in store for me.

To me, love means remembering the details about a person, because those details hold so many personalities, secrets and values

From my mom, I learned to be funny, somewhat carefree, lighthearted and determined. I learned what beauty looks like. I learned how to stand my ground as a girl in this world.

I try not to mourn the time I cannot control. I try not to obsess over and over again about the inevitable. So, as much as I tried, I watched my birthday cake rot in my fridge for a year, until it was all over.

I’m 23 tomorrow… feels weird putting it into the universe after trying not to think about it all year. I am definitely not where I thought I’d be as I turn another year older.

Throwing a surprise party can be extremely nerve-wracking, especially in a shared living space where the person you are trying to surprise can walk in at any given moment.

Every year, one more poem in free verse— / Still frames of silent tears and raucous nights / Snapshots documenting my best and worst / An artist’s impression of maturity and moonlight