Twenty-Eight.

I don't really feel old. 

Nor do I have a complex about being old. 

I realize that 28 is older than lots of people I know...

    but it's also a lot younger than some other people I know. :-)

Today, I googled "28 years old," curious to see what that means to random people on the Internet. Surprisingly, lots of people freak out about it. In fact, one of the first sites I saw on the google search was dedicated to celebrities who died at 28, (especially Heath Ledger, who I admittedly thought was a lot older...) Next were the numerous, very thought-out essays about the psychology of women who are "still" single at 28. I'm afraid I can't relate to these people. Here are the completely solid, mostly scientific reasons this is going to be the best year of my entire life:

1.) It started off wonderfully, the weekend was filled with adventures like paragliding, successful cooking endevors, meals with french friends who care about me, presents including fancy chocolate and jewelry, and lots and lots of skype dates with the most beloved people in my life.

after 4 times of trying to parapente, the elements finally co-operated.

getting serious. well, seriously nervous

so you have to run really fast down a cliff....

and then it just lifts you into the air! this is me! in the batman parapente. 

I pretended I was in Harry Potter, flying on a broomstick. The dude was not too impressed.

The view

I made this!! 

Picnic with my French family :-)

2.) Also, I really enjoy even numbers. And I especially like the number 8. If that isn't persuasive enough, I will tell you that I also like the way the year 2012 is shaped. I find it very asthetically pleasing.

3.) Once upon a time, a psychic told me that I would not know my future husband until I am 28. She also told me when I am in my early 30's I will be headed to the West coast...

4.) I am leaving for my African safari in 6 days!!!!!!!

5.) According to my horoscope: "It is not every day that a major planet makes a once-in-165-year entry into a sign, but that is precisely what is about to happen. Neptune will enter your sign on Feb 3 and remain in Pisces for the coming fourteen years. Neptune rules Pisces and will exert its best qualities while in its own sign. Many people never get to experience Neptune in their sign, but because Neptune is your ruling planet, this will make the coming years all the more delicious. This shift of Neptune to Pisces will instantly put you in the spotlight. Neptune's greatest gift to you will be to greatly expand your imagination and your creativity, and as such, you are the perfect sign to accept those gifts. You will be encouraged to express yourself in completely new ways, to be innovative and experimental. If you work in the creative sphere, this shift of Neptune will, of course, seem like a miracle. Suddenly the world is listening to you. Your image may be known on TV, or in important print or Internet media, and you will likely become known by those in your industry or the world at large. This is your moment! Take all fortunate breaks that come up at this time seriously. Don't ask others their opinion about whether you should do this or that...you know yourself well enough. It is your decision."

6.) I just have a really, really good feeling about this year :-)

The best part about being where I am now is that I am happy with my life, I know who I am, and I am not afraid to go for what I want. I didn't have that self-confidence, wisdom, or maturity at 21, 23...26 even. In fact, it's quite possible that I made every dumb, horrible mistake a person could make in their early (and mid) 20's. And while I can't exactly claim that I wouldn't go back and change some things...I have absolutely no complaints about where I am now. Literally and figuratively, of course :-)

My lesson for the week :-)

I know you're not supposed to have favorites, but I totally do....

So...welcome, twenty-eight...