Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Big Digital Hits The Big 3-0

 In search of a new fashion consultant

So...today is my 30th birthday. And it seems like it should be a time for reflection, not that I don't do plenty of that already. Seriously though, how often is it that a person has a 30th birthday? Not very often. Birthdays marking the decades of one's life are pretty big milestones on the journey of life. 10 years ago, I was in the MTC, still about a month away from leaving for Argentina. I didn't even have my first webmail address yet. 20 years ago, I don't really recall where I was, but I was in 4th grade. 30 years ago, well I don't remember much of that.

Definitely this 3rd decade seems to have gone by the quickest, but in retrospect, I still managed to accomplish quite a bit. I finished one degree (Computer Science) and nearly completed another (Biomedical Informatics). I've managed to stay out of debt and even save up a bit of money. I own two computers (and gave away a third). I've made lots and lots of friends. And considering that when I returned to Salt Lake following the mission I knew at most a handful of people. I feel lucky to have been blessed with all the great friends that I've made along the way. For all my work with computers, I definitely still think that people are what make life enjoyable.

I am, of course, still single, a fact of which I am very much aware, and with which I sometimes I think am getting a little too comfortable. I certainly don't spend all my free time scheming of ways to find me a wife. But I do think about it, and I do try to be out there looking, dating, you know, doing the thing that we single people do. Seeing my brother's family, I definitely can see that there is a lot of great things that I'm missing out on. I don't feel like I've had moments where there was someone I could have married and I turned my back on that, so I don't generally feel too guilty about not being married. I just haven't found someone I wanted to marry who wanted to marry me back. Still looking. Hopefully ten years from now I'm not having this same discussion with myself.

In the next ten years, I do also hope to get a job with benefits. I guess I've had things like health insurance during my last four years as a full-time graduate student, but I definitely wouldn't call that a job. Working regular work hours five days a week might be a pretty big shock to my eternal student workdays that are pretty flexible, so long as I get done what needs getting done. But I'm sure there are benefits to the old 9-to-5 grind. Not having to scour the internet for new roommates every couple month would be one of those. I also have a dream of some day driving a car that was built in the same decade in which I'm driving it. Yes I know, my dreams are lofty, but they say that you should aim for the stars.

Anyway, at this milestone in my life, I guess I feel pretty okay about things. My life is far from perfect, but at least I have an idea of where its headed and I feel pretty good about the direction.

Funnel Cake

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday!!! That picture of you in the rainbow suspenders is ADORABLE! As for the wife and family thing--just keep going because you seem like a catch. (I doubt there are many people in this world who can boast advanced degrees but no debt to go with them--that's seriously impressive.) As for the car, well... They're a waste of money anyway. :)

Adrianna said...

Happy Birthday J. I've enjoyed reading your blog, lo these many years...or however long it has been. For what it's worth, I respect you. You seem grounded, reflective, and intelligent. Fo sho.

And you DO seem like a catch. I've often thought this - for what it's worth.

Kimberli said...

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

We wish we we could celebrate it with you. This is as close we could get... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJX4WL3rMWQ

j said...

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. I especially loved the video of Lucy. Thanks, Kimi & George.

CJ said...

Amen to the above. You've got a lot to be pleased with, my friend. And I'm so glad to be one of those friends you mention. You make my life better.

Tyler said...

Hi Jake! Happy Birthday (a little late)! I especially love your rainbow suspenders, any chance of finding an adult pair like that? It's weird to think that 8 years ago we moved into foothill and met you...wow, a lot has changed since then, but happily not our friendship :) At least you're not driving the mini-van any more...

Melissa and Tyler said...

ps this is actually Melissa, not Tyler, but he wishes you a Happy Birthday too!

Andrew Glazebrook said...

HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY !! The big 30 eh, I remember when I was that young :(