29 to 30 has been a year of years.  I feel like I say this every time, but I'm continually wowed but the curve balls, accomplishments, trials and tribulations that I experience and conquer. 

Pre-celebration began in Disneyland.  I started my 29th year of life dancing and eating.  It was great!

Thu had surgery and Chris stood by me (and us) through out the entire time.  He stayed overnight with me at the hospital and showed his care and concern for me as well as my family.  I'm fortunate to have such a loving and supportive husband.

We shipped out to Oahu to spend quality time with Janica and Rich and had an amazing week in Hawaii.

We also had our first couples trip to Point Reyes with Tina and Curits with fine times and lots of eating.  I dipped my foot into photography, thereafter purchasing my Fujifilm with no regrets since.    

I presented my thesis with charisma and courage.  I was a nervous wreck, but I dressed the part and charmed the pants off the audience.  Chris was there front and center, I trolled him as I always do, and the audience enjoyed my talk.  

I graduated from my Master's program.  3 years of full time work and part time degree, I did it.  From driving between Santa Clara and Oakland for 2 years, to working on campus, to planning a wedding.  I made it work and I did it.  

Summer was a hard hit with its emotional roller coaster.  Mills was extremely supportive of my time off to help my sister as needed during her chemo treatments and it took a toll on me.  Towards the end, I took a leap to quit Mills, a job I was so miserable and stressed out at.  I wanted a pause in my life after the hard summer and the trials we underwent. But I had amazing quality time with my nieces and nephew.

September came and I got a call for an interview with a community college.  I never thought I would be working at a college so quickly, especially since I put in little to no effort in searching for a placement.  But they called me and hired me on the next day, only to start working the week after.  I had less than a week to prepare my curriculum.  I had less than a week to gather information about my courseload and its requirement.  I didn't even have email or web access for 2-3 weeks of my start date.  But I conquered once again.  It was tough but I did it.  To mark this change, I also donated my hair to cancer patients in honor of Thu.

That same first week of school was when we found out Donald and Joseph passed away.  Both young and full of life, it's unimaginable to have to had say goodbye to them.  I hope they are resting in peace with their stars and light shining ever so brightly on us.  The rest of the year was spent with coping and learning to move pass the sadness I felt with nature trips.

Chris and I rang in our first year as Mr. and Mrs. in Tahoe and with family.  It was a nice quaint trip away.

Thanksgiving rolled by with no issues aside from the fact that our offer on the house was accepted!  It was a stressful yet exciting weekend.  

Thereafter, we received the keys the Friday before Christmas.  Friends and family gathered to help us move immediately that weekend.  I've managed to transform our house into a home, giving it its homey charm.  We have a soaking tub with a book nook and an island in the kitchen — these are basically my biggest home requirements.  During the sunny mornings, the light comes in and makes me so happy with a coffee cup in hand.  I love spending time at home.  I love cooking in the kitchen and whipping up any new recipes and dishes.

Family time was all that more special with Chris' 32nd birthday. 

And finally, we ended my 29th year in Spain.  It was lovely and wonderful and everything I could dream of.  My Spain blog post deserves its own glory and will come soon enough. 

On the first day of my 30th year, I spent it with Chris at the gym, then with a dear friend, relaxing with brunch and cheese lunch, ending it at the gym once again.  I couldn't have asked for anything more.     

Life is short and I hope to keep writing, being more courageous, and loving fearlessly.