Turning 29...

In 10 days, I will celebrate my 29th birthday.

My last year in my 20's. 

Many friends and family members have told me that their 30's are/were the best years of their lives. I don't fear growing older, but this birthday feels a bit strange. I can remember my feelings on my 19th birthday. I was eager to get through 19 and turn 20. The thought of being in my 20's was so exciting and I vividly remember knowing I had year to get myself together before turning 20. As it turned out, my 19th year was one of the worst of my life and 20 was a new start of sorts. Once again I am filled with those same feelings. One year to get "ready" for 30.

I'm quite happy with most of my life today. I am married to an amazing man who is the great love of my life and my very best friend. I have an amazing group of friends. I have a family who loves me. I have a job that I don't hate going to every day. I am involved in some amazing organizations. I know what I want out of life.

But at the same time, there is so much I still want for my life. I want to help Ryan find a job that HE doesn't hate going to every day. I want to finish school. I want to start a family. I want to be done with "apartment living".

And for some reason, 30 seems like a natural deadline.

Obviously, all of those things cannot be achieved for me in one year. But, I feel like 29 will be a year of change and preparation for the future.

I am so ready.