Thirty-Four

Thirty-four... 34... three four... No matter how you say it, I'm getting further away from my twenties, and that much closer to my forties. Today, on November 6th, I turned 34 years old. I can remember by twenties so vividly, and I remember thinking that I'd be twenty-something forever. I had my life all planned out when I was younger... I'd marry at 26, have my first child at 28, yada yada yada. As those ages came and went, things became a tad bit depressing. I mean, not only did I have zero kids at the age of 28, but I wasn't married either.

The longer I was on my own, the more independent I became - I had a successful career, I bought my first home, I mowed my own grass, etc. I have a close friend, Tom, who is like a surrogate father to me. I've known him for years and he's seen me through good and bad times. Tom once told me, "you're too damn independent, you do everything for yourself, pretty soon you're going to start to think that you don't need a husband". As I pondered this thought, I realized that it wasn't so much that I thought I didn't need a husband, but moreso that I just haven't met someone worthy of husband material. I know that because my sister would always let me know "he's a great boyfriend, just not husband material". haha.

So with that, I approached my thirties with the thought that "my thirties will be the best years of my life... period!" I threw myself a big 30th birthday bash and celebrated with all my friends... although the only thing I had on my mind all night was trying to spend time with Ben, the guy I worked with that I had the biggest crush on. My birthday party was something like... Date #8 with Ben... although he was oblivious to all of our "dates" (I'll save the whole "secret date" story for another time).

And after I turned 30, my life began to change. Ben and I started dating, and it didn't take us long to realize that we shared the same dreams of life, family, and future. A little over a year later, my friend Tom walked me down the aisle as I experienced the most fairytale-like moment of my life. And a few years later, we have this...

and this....

So yeah, I guess it's safe to say that my thirties have been the best years of my life so far. Remembering everything that's changed in my life the past 4 years makes me realize that being 34 really isn't that bad.

P.S. Thanks to all "my people" for the birthday wishes today!!