Almost 30 thoughts

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Normally I don't fuss over my birthday. I like to celebrate, but not always be the center of attention. Boston birthdays kinda sucked. It lined up with a class that would leave the day before, all my friends on vacation, and a quiet sad evening at home alone. 

This year I was determined 30 and my 1st Lux birthday would not share the same fate. When my dear friend and colleague invited me to join his family summer vacation, I accepted. I'm excited to spend my 30th birthday with friends I love and that love me. 

And so here I am on an aisle seat of the tiny 2x2. Exhausted, as I've been up for 16 hrs already, in 3 different countries and airports so far. I'm hoping the delay on this flight still let's me make my connection in Munich and doesn't delay my kind host even further. 

Everyone comments on turning 30. Some say it'd the beginning of real adulthood. Some say it's the beginning of my body falling apart ha. Some dread it. 


But I'm excited. My body is already a wreck, so I'm not worried about further deterioration. I'm excited about this milestone. Seventeen year old newly diagnosed Jen wondered if she'd ever reach 30. Precancer Jen had planned to be married many years and have a house full of kids by now. Current Jen is single and childless, on the 2nd owned house and 3rd job change since college. 

Growing old is a privilege. It is a delight to be on this trip. I'm so excited to see someone from my village that has supported and surrounded me in Boston but continuing from afar as well. 

Thirty is an ending to so many heavy things. And a beginning to a new era and many unknowns. 

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