This is from my 18th birthday. Clearly, the candles were a bit smoky!

Today is my 29th birthday! In some ways, I feel like a kid still, but in others I feel like I’ve been an adult forever.

I enjoyed being 28, but it was definitely a crazy year. I have no idea what to expect for 29, but it’s bound to be another of change as I get used to a new job (one that I hope to start soon!) and schedule. Plus, I’ll officially become an author this year! I definitely plan on taking advantage of this last year of my 20s.

Sense and Sensibility is both my favorite Jane Austen book and my favorite movie. I love Pride and Prejudice along with the best of us, but Sense and Sensibility resonates more with me, because I relate to both of the sisters.

I’m a lot like Elinor, the put-together, sensible, putting-others-first rock of the family. To those who don’t know me well, I can come across as stoic or unfeeling. I tend towards order and routine and tend to shy away from spontaneity and anything that upsets my order for things.

But I also am a lot like Marianne. I can be flighty and overly emotional. I cry quicker than anyone I know (though I still blame it on a physical abnormality…doncha know I have overactive tear ducts?). I have thought my world was falling apart when a suitor hasn’t appeared. I have interpreted my interactions with a man to make them into something they weren’t.

You see, I’m both sisters. I can be both sensible and overcome by sensibility.

And for the record, Colonel Brandon is by far my favorite of the Jane Austen’s heroes. A man who doesn’t arrogantly assume you think he’s all that, prefers you to be happy than to be with him (as much as it pains him), and is willing to quietly serve in whatever way possible? Yes, please!

And to think that that baby is about to have a baby!