Introductory Letter

Dear Shell,

I just turned 32 about a week ago. I don't know why so many women dread hitting their 30's. It's a great age for women. We're no longer teenagers, we're no longer struggling through our 20's trying to figure out just who we are. We're in our 30's. We're mature, we're adults, and we have it good. Women in their 30's receive more respect in the working world than they do in their 20's.

Of course, there's also the fact that my husband J won't let me 'stay forever 29'. If I even try to say I'm 29, he's quick to tell what my real age is, and tells me to embrace my age. I could be mad at him for telling the world my real age, but why? He wants me to feel secure and comfortable with myself. He's proud of me.

I look back at what I accomplished in my teens. I babysat, I worked 2 jobs while in my senior year of high school, and I know I did things I should have gotten in trouble for... if i had been caught (sorry mom!). I made friends that today, I don't remember their names or why they were considered friends in the first place.

My early- to mid-20's: those were rough years. I'll probably write letters at a later date explaining things more, but we'll leave it now as they were really rough years.

Then came the end of age 25. A couple months before I turned 26, when I was trying my hardest to be 'wild' but still couldn't quite break completely through that responsible shell that wrapped around me, I met J. It wasn't love at first sight, but we really hit it off right from the first date.

Three years later, we married. We had a very nice, private ceremony with around 20 of our closest friends and family. I still receive compliments today from those who celebrated that special day with us.

We just celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary a few months ago. Yes, we've had a few rough times. Who hasn't? But we communicate and work things out. After all...who else would put up with us!

Since hitting my 30's, after many years of hard work and dedication, I have graduated from college with my Bachelors in Business Management. (one month before my 32nd birthday to be exact).

Well looking at the clock, it is after 4am and J is due to wake up for work in less than 2 hours. I should try to get some sleep, as I have work to do tomorrow as well. I need to re-write chapter 2 in my novel (I didn't care for how it was flowing), and try to get another couple chapters written. Plus research... that's the worst part about writing, the research. Wish me luck in getting the novel finished and published!

Talk to you soon,
Shell