I turned 23 years old today. It’s a fairly inconsequential brithday, and I didn’t do anything particularly exciting to celebrate it, but it was still a great day. Here’s why:

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison last May, and shortly thereafter read a piece on things we should learn and appreciate in college. Among the many insightful items listed was the following: “All your best friends will never be within such close proximity.”

So while turning 23 lacks the excitement of 16th, 18th or 21st birthdays, today was still a great day, because in the span of 24 hours, via one medium or another, I heard from just about everyone I love and care about.

The first year out of college is a tough one. You’ve swallowed the bitter reality pill: Your first job does not involve rescuing puppies or other world-saving efforts, Lena Dunham is the only person who understands the chaos that is your love life and your diet includes far too many “instant” meals. What’s more, your best friends are no longer within arm’s reach. That’s what I’ve had the hardest time dealing with, but that is what has felt least relevant today.

So thanks to my friends and family for the birthday wishes, and thanks for allowing me to write about them with pure cheese here.