Big Three Oh! ⇒

Today I turn 30. If the next 30 years are anything the previous 30, I am in for a wild ride!!

My 20s were great.

The year I turned 20 I was in half way through my 3rd year of university, living with two guys in a cool place just off campus. That was one of the best years of my life.

The year I turned 21, I met Christine and began a wonderful relationship.

The year I turned 22 I finished my university schooling with a B+ average, thank you very much, and I had one more co-op term to go. By now I had gathered a phenomenal group of friends and my relationship with Christine was setting new records every day.

The year I turned 23 brought me my first place on my own (no furniture of course). Then I moved into a scuzzy Kits apartment and got my first real job, at Riptide Technologies. That job lasted almost exactly 4 months!! By the time that job ended (my first layoff!!!), Christine and I had decided to move in together and found a lovely place at 3rd & Balsalm in Kits. After that I started at Orbital Technologies and that job lasted quite a while.

The next few years were absolutely great, but I can't really remember anything that stands out. Christine and I lead the ideal Kits lifestyle. Partying with friends and generally enjoying ourselves.

The year I turned 26 was a big one. First I got a new job at Simba as an Account Manager. Then we went to the UK for a vacation. And then we got married!! Woo hoo!! Unfortunately, we had no money and no vacation yet so there was no real honeymoon. That didn't happen until...

...the year I turned 27. This really was a big year. I got coughfiredcough laid off from Orbital. Then we gave up our wonderful apartment, put everything in storage and went on a life changing trip to Africa for 3 months. That trip was without a doubt, the best thing we have ever done. Everytime I look at the movie or the pictures or talk about with someone or see Africa on TV I want to back. The best time of my life. By the end of the trip we had decided to move to the UK, so when we got back we found a crappy little apartment (furnished) that would last us 6 months so we could prepare for the move. Then I got a job at Epic that was too good to pass up, so Christine quit her job to go out on her own.

The year I turned 28 was a year of challenge for Christine. While I was reasonably happy at my job in the beginning she was trying to figure out her career. Then later I was unhappy at my job amd her consulting gig wasn't what she thought it would be, we took a small break to hook up with some Africa buddies in New York. That was yet anoher fabulous trip. What a city. Near the end of the year, we decided that we would try this UK idea one more time. This time we figured it would be best if Christine went over there to find a job. The hardest 2 months of my life. Although she had several very good opportunities, none of them panned out and she came home just before my 28th birthday.

The year I turned 29 was a stabilizing year. I finally got the position I wanted at Epic (Business Analyst), Christine got into the company she wanted (Tourism BC) and we went on another neat trip. This time to [Peru][308], which is a very beautiful country. Before that Christine turned 30, which we celebrated by flying down to San Fran to see Great Big Sea in concert with Scotty, Jenny, Speedy, Jenny & Dave. An epic trip that I mostly remember.

Which brings us to this year, the year I turn 30. It has been another interesting year as my role at Epic has changed yet again. It seems that I go through about a role a year at Epic! Christine has almost figured out what she wants to be when she grows up and hopefully she can get going on that in the new year. This was an unusual year in that we didn't do any real trips. Instead we (mostly me) bought stuff, notably a large screen tv. We also moved again as the place we were in before was sold and converted into a condo.

I wonder what my 30s will bring? For sure some more travelling, hopefully a family. Many new friends and many new challenges. I am really looking forward to my 30s and I hope that I enjoy them as much I enjoyed my 20s!!