10 years later: Birthday advice

Ten years ago today, I had a hangover that I remember vividly. Ten years ago today I'd only had about an hour's sleep. Ten years ago today I had one night down and one to go.\nTen years ago yesterday, I turned 21.\nMercifully, the 21 Shots tradition hadn't been instituted back then, although I did manage to make myself sick. (And while we're on the subject, may I ask who the heck came up with that anyway? What genius decided that the best way to celebrate turning legal would be death by alcohol poisoning?) And no, I am most certainly not attempting 31 shots this time. Although 13 might not be out of the question…\nMy first thought was to whoop it up -- gather all the usual suspects and have a "10th Anniversary of Jeanne's 21st Party." But time and money constraints negated that idea. The anniversary of such a momentous event in one's life does occasion some reflection, though. In my case, said reflection being along the lines of "Please, God, I've learned something from the last 10 years!" And I've concluded that I did acquire some useful knowledge on the journey between 21 and, um, 29. \nSo here, from me to you, are a few practical suggestions from a girl who has been there, done that and threw away the tacky t-shirt. Everything here is something I learned for myself (sometimes to a resounding "duh!" from everyone else) so I can testify to the veracity. \n• Always keep people's secrets. Not only do you build trust in your friendships, but you also get to hear all the best gossip. \n• Never think about your problems after 11 p.m. They will always seem worse than they are, and there is very little you can do about them then, anyway. \n• Similarly, there are very, very few problems that can't be put into perspective by asking yourself "Ten years from now, will this matter?"\n• Never lie about your age. You will inevitably be busted sooner or later.\n• Sometimes a kind lie really is better than a harsh reality. For example, never, ever answer "Tell me the truth. Do I look like I've gained weight?" with the truth.\n• Money can't buy happiness. But lack of it can destroy your peace of mind.\n• Love does not conquer all. But real love makes it all bearable. \n• Calories consumed between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. don't count. \n• Friends and family are invaluable. Treat them that way.\n• Take care of yourself, physically and emotionally, and you'll be equipped to handle any crisis, big or small, that might arise.\n • And above all, I have learned that there is such a thing, for lack of a better word, as Karma.\n The world will always, without fail, reflect back to you what you offer to it. Offer cheerfulness and kindness and you will be repaid with those things in return. The good that you do will come back to you, sometimes in unexpected ways. This never fails. Trust me. \nThere you have it. A little bit of wisdom from an admittedly not-so-wise girl. But this is stuff that I have come to believe in whole-heartedly. And it's the approach I plan on taking for the next 10 years. But when that anniversary rolls around, I think I am going to have the party, too.