Thought to ponder: Birthdays are supposed to be good things. If this is so, why do so many people make them into such lousy things? Today is my birthday. For some reason, no matter what age a person is, they perceive themselves as being four times older, myself included.

The fascination with age that the average American has is at best unhealthy. Youth is considered an undesirable trait in many ways to many cultures, as wisdom is acquired through time. The mind-set in America seems to be that youth breeds vitality which in turn is a precursor to success and that wisdom is merely a figment of one's imagination.

Given this realization, I believe I shall attempt to enjoy this day and realize that I am growing wiser, not older.