29

I turned 29 in November, and it was actually a bit melancholy. It probably had nothing to do with the birthday and just with my feelings at the time. I knew it wasn't going to be anything exciting since Daniel was so busy with school and work and actually had a night class. I woke up to Daniel and the kids telling me "happy birthday," and I received a couple cards and a little package and nice email from my in-laws. And that was it. I kept telling Emersen all day that it was my birthday, and she would say, "Oh yeah?" I guess I wanted someone to know. I kept waiting for Daniel or my parents to call. Finally that evening, there was a knock on my door. It was my new visiting teacher stopping by to wish me a happy birthday. When I opened the door, she immediately gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek and wished me a happy birthday. I almost cried. She also gave me a little bag of chocolate covered cinnamon bears, which are one of my favorite treats. I was so grateful for her thoughtfulness. She is hispanic and shows affection so readily. It was just what I needed that day. My parents did call me later that night as well.

A few days later, I was talking to my mom about my feelings that day. You don't think as a grown woman that I would feel the need for attention on my birthday. But I guess it is nice to know that someone is thinking about you. Maybe it was silly to feel that way, but I'm just being honest. And maybe I should have baked myself a birthday cake. Two weeks later, Daniel and I were finally able to go on a date. We had a gift card to The New Yorker, so we dressed up fancy and enjoyed the luxurious $100 meal. Free for us. And I ate my entire slice of cheesecake guilt-free. 

Turning 29 kind of made me feel old. I heard someone say once that 29 felt like a fake age because that's what people say when they don't want to admit how old they are. I thought that was funny. But here I am. Here's hoping it's a good one!