The story of 29

I turned 29 a little over 2 months after getting my dream job. A little over 5 months after graduating from BYU with my BS in Biology. A little under a year from the day Owen was born and a little more than a month before Penny came.

29 was an eventful year. Penny and Abby both made their debuts. I passed my 6 month probation period and got to stay with the San Diego zoo and its amazing elephants. I dated more than I ever have. I got some practice ending relationships and got more practice than I would have liked in dealing with endings that I wasn't expecting and wasn't ready for. I lost a lot of weight and gained a lot of it back. I spent too much money on a haircut and too much time with my cat.

I had the honor of being Audrey's escort at the temple when she went for the first time, and again on her wedding day. She was absolutely lovely.

Jason, Jamie, and Penny came to San Diego and I got to introduce them to some pachyderms.

Mom drove all the way here from Texas just to bring me a present.

I learned that I will not always pick apart the guys I date. It is possible to love someone with all their imperfections. The only problem is, they may not love me. But hey, at least I know my expectations are not too high. I'm not too picky. And I shouldn't have to settle for someone who went to college and still doesn't seem to care which form of "your/you're" he uses. I know there is someone out there who cares just as much as I do. Someone who can quote the stupid movies I love, but has also seen the classics. Someone who makes me want to be wittier, smarter, funnier, prettier, healthier, and better, even though he already thinks I am all of those things. Someone who will think the world of me for more than 2 months.

I spent a year in the same place. No moving around. Even stayed in the same apartment. It has been a very, very long time since I've done that.

30 is going to begin with a trip to Disneyland and a dinner with friends. As great at 29 has been though, I really hope that 30 ends a little differently.

Here we go!