My friend Billy is celebrating a milestone birthday today, and I can’t be there to help, darn it. I could bake some lemon squares, and we could drink some tequila—I guess it could be Cuervo Gold for old time’s sake, but why be ceremonious. Speaking of tequila, sometimes I might be trying to enjoy mine, and I look around and realize no one is really challenging me (are you? you could!) or that Billy is pouring out every other shot, because he’s smart, and he still doesn’t weigh that much. But then, I’m not forty yet. I wonder if I will start to be more like Billy as I age. I hope so. In the year ahead, I am going to try to be freer with my hugs and emotions, buy a bar, watch baseball*, and let my back hair grow out again. Whoot!

*weather permitting