birthday girl

Thanks for all your well-wishes. I had planned on a quiet 30th birthday of contemplation, but it was even better to have Lisa and Matt's and Jessica and Forrest's company for dinner at Root and Vine in Morganton. (And of course, my Matt!) My first birthday cake was funnel cake with chocolate syrup drizzled on top. Above was my second cake from Mom.

How can I follow up such a fabulous decade that was my 20s? The highlight was still thru-hiking the AT, even as it becomes one of those things I once did. What I got out of that hike that becomes ever more present is my husband (and the sweetest dog). I had so much fun at our wedding. Those college years at UF were a close third, as far as highlights of my 20s go. And then there was Mississippi Teacher Corps -- so unbendingly hard, but it's what shaped me more than anything else so far.

So what's next? (Wow, I've begun to think in decades.) Most immediately, I need a place (and meaningful work) to settle into. I think that's the only way I can start planning my new adventure and feel right about it. This is the second summer I'm going to sacrifice for that purpose, and if Matt and I figure it out, it will be worth it.