TJ, the best is yet to be, indeed. I can honestly say I believe that now—I'm not just practicing the power of positive thinking! I'm glad you believe it, too.

Nisha, your comment made me laugh—and cringe a tiny bit. :) I hope you know that I really don't resent all the youth roaming this town. I think it's energizing in so many ways, and I love having access to a student perspective on your blog, too. Thanks for being a part of this diverse community.

Mike, that's so good to hear. Just as Nisha enjoys the perspective of people 20 years older than her, I'm so glad that lots of people 20 years older than me are participating in social media and sharing their wise perspective. Keep it up!

Natalie, reading what you wrote, "remembering how self-conscious/obsessive I felt about something ridiculously minor," is like looking into my own thoughts. I was SO much like that, and I'm so glad I'm not any more. One of the very lovely things about gracefully aging into our selves. :)

Daisy, sharing a birthday with Dr. Seuss has been one of my favorite random details about myself since I was a little girl. I can't think of many famous people I'd rather share a birthday with. Your blog post about him is great, btw. (And I'd love to share my cake, too, if I could. Jason made me an amazing cheesecake with dark chocolate and pistachios.)

Carmen, I'll make you a deal: You get yourself out to Central Illinois for a visit, and I'll show you the stretch marks (said with a "show me the money" inflection). I wear them with pride, but I'm not *quite* proud enough to share them on the Internet—they're reserved for my closest, long-time pals like you. :)

ejly, well said. Experience can't be gained from reading articles in checkout aisle magazines—it only comes with time. And we've earned it!