Day 37

Hi Dad!

I'm 29 today! The last year of my twenties. I can imagine you saying that you can't believe it. One of my favorite parts, if not my very favorite part, of my birthday was always you calling me to wish me happy birthday. Sometimes it was the first call I got and sometimes it was later in the day, but I always looked forward to it. And it usually came with at least one "my baby girl", and it never ever got old.

Twenty-nine is going to be a big year for me!

I will finally finish school. Bet you never would have thought I would be in school until I was 29 years old, huh? I didn't really either. But its for real, and I think it will probably be worth it.

This year we will go to Malta! I didn't get a chance to tell you that we were planning a big trip to Malta. You remember I haven't been since I was 6, right? Hopefully we will convince Grandma and Grandpa to go, but I know its going to be a trip I will always remember.

This year I will start my first real big adult-person JOB. Hopefully, as long as things pan out the way I hope they will. (Remind me to tell you about the phone conversation I had yesterday - possible exciting news!)

This year Nick and I will [probably] buy our first house! You already knew we have been obsessed with looking. At first I wanted my big house with the circle driveway and two staircases (because you know that's what I have been dreaming about my whole life...), but we have decided it makes more sense to get a smaller starter home. We have been jumping all over the place in terms of where and what we want. We have most recently been looking at little older brick homes in older neighborhoods. Something that has "curb appeal" and all of the essentials, an extra bedroom or two for guests, and either updates or potential for updates. I was really looking forward to asking you all kinds of questions about the house, but I still will. Hopefully you'll help me make some decisions. I bet you're going to love it!

I can very easily say 28 was the best and worst year ever. I never imagined that could be possible. Today is first of many milestones I have to go through without you... and I will get through it, but I won't like it. And there are so many real big adult-person things that I will have to experience this year without you. I may have even told you I feel like I am finally "grown up" and may have stopped telling you "when I grow up..." But I know you're watching me, and I'll try to think of all of wonderful things you would have said to me if you were here. And I know I am still making you happy and proud up there. I miss you more than words can possibly say. You're still my favorite.

Love,
your baby girl
always & forever