Irthdaybay

Today is my birthday, but as usual, let's keep that between us. I'm 32. How scary is that?

The word this year is low-key. Okay, the word every year is low-key, but it's a good word and a good way to be.

A year ago, water breached the levees protecting New Orleans. A year later, life has yet to return to normal in the regions affected by Hurricane Katrina and her aftermath. Special reports on television and in the newspaper relate how reconstruction efforts have been slow or stalled and impacted areas, primarily in Louisiana, remain in ruins. Thankfully, reports about Mississippi's recovery are more positive.

My wish this year, besides no more disasters on my birthday, is for a faster recovery for those living in the Gulf Coast region.