Jack's Birthday State of the YOU-nion 2016

​My Dearly Beloved Friends and Family, 

It's been another great year. After every birthday, I like writing a very pensive and reflective note to thank everyone in the past year for blessing me beyond measure [that's code for this blog is super long-winded]. I really take time to think about all that's happened in my life since April 12, 2015. I look at my Facebook timeline, reminisce with friends, highlight some significant life moments, and examine my personal growth. It's one of my favorite things to do every year (this year it's coming a little bit late, sorry I've been busy!) I'd love nothing more than to celebrate all that we've done together in the last 365 days. It's been a big year! I got engaged to the most fantastically beautiful human on the planet, I went places and saw things, gained new skills, and learned so much about who I am. Believe me, God has been good to me since turning 27.

Now that I've turned 28, let's shake it up a little bit. I'd hate to think that I'm getting too predictable in my old age. Instead of giving you the play by play of everything I've been up to since my last birthday, I want to tell you about a story that really resonates with me upon adding another year to my life. It's a story about a time in my life that I really hold dear. In so many ways, it's shaped who I am as a person. I love telling this story more than I love telling people the story of my potato tattoo-- and that says a lot. It's a great tattoo. You should ask me about it sometime if you already haven't (just kidding, I'm sure you already have). 

Read More