My 22nd Birthday

It was a splendid 22nd birthday for me -- and everyone seemed to be right on track by sending their birthday greetings in Spanish!

The house had a Mexican fiesta, and with the help of some of the more culinarily gifted members, we put together homemade carne asada tacos, spicy rice and cheesy beans.

For one of the rarest moments, we all gathered together and ate dinner at our table -- all ten of us. No boys, no guests. Just the ten of us laughing and talking together. It was such a beautiful time. Often, we get caught up entertaining the guests that frequent the house, making them feel comfortable and making them dinner or coffee. It's wonderful, but it's good to be able to talk face to face with the incredible women who compose the Decadox. In our hustle and bustle of hospitality, we can take each other for granted.

In light of my coming-of-age, I want to write a resolution for my 22nd year:
> Though I may be young and healthy, I want to remember those who aren't. I want to learn their history, value their wisdom, and engage with their world. In this country, we are so obsessed with youth and beauty that we scorn the contributions of our elders. I want to honor that this year. I want to honor the people and the places from which I came, because I am not a self-made woman, and so much that I am is owed to those who have gone before me.

So that is all.