Five years past.

I haven't been asked what I want for my birthday since I turned nineteen. I am five years past nineteen now.

Well, it's not that I knew what I wanted for my birthday anyway.

"Justine! What would you like for your birthday?"
"..." BRAIN FART.

Seriously. All that pressure in one question, how am I supposed to recollect everything I've wanted for the past year? Maybe I should make an Instagram account based on everything I want throughout the year so that when I am asked, I could instruct you to search the hashtag *justinewants.Thaaaaaaaaat's not selfish. Not remotely selfish.

No.

Not.

Selfish.

Anyway, on the off chance you are thinking of getting me something, I have one request: don't get me anything.

What I would like for you to do is donate money to my favorite charities.

1. World Vision Mali/Philippines
2. Project 7
3. Restore Her
4. ONE
5. Slow Food USA 

You can be sure I am thankful for everything everyone's ever given me, but let's be honest: I am middle-class Asian-American toting around an iPhone, complaining about tepid water, and owning too many jeans--I don't think I really need anything else. I can't be grateful for things I can or will get if I'm not grateful for things now.

Should you donate something in honor of my birthday, please let me know! I would love to express my thanks and wishes to return the favor.

Or, if you have charities that you like that you think I would like, let me know! There's always room for charity, grace, kindness, and positivity.

Thanks. You guys are great.




My birthday is 1 September. Holy-!