Oh Hello, 26.

This weekend I turn 26. And it’s hitting me harder than expected.

Last year I gave the heave-ho to Deadbeat Tattoed Guy and I was all “Woohoo! 25 and single! BRING IT, Chicago!” And then proceeded to have a year full of partying and dating and nothing overly emotional… besides a disastrous tryst with Crazyface the Fratty CommitmentPhobe.

But now here I sit, another year older. I’d tell you I’m totally cool with my diamond-less ring finger, but 1. I don’t like to lie to you and 2. I write a blog called The Engagement Project, so you might be on to me.

Of course, I have Love Interest E in my life. Whether he ends up being my future or just my present remains up to debate, but since I haven’t given a good L.I.E. [as some on the twitters have taken to calling him] update in a while, I figured this would be a good time. Happy Birthday to me.

Here’s 3 recent Love Interest E inspired swoons:

1. Love Interest E hauled a humongous new coffee table up to my third floor walk-up. And he didn’t. even. complain. Swoon.

2. With no prompting/hinting/whining from me, Love Interest E planned a fancy dinner date at Carnivale for the night of my birthday. Swoon.

3. Love Interest E has invited me to meet his parents. A quaint dinner for 4 at Bistro 110. Swoon.

Someone get me some smelling salts.

After my last break up, I wasn’t sure what my future held. Now things are looking up. I refound myself and I landed someone who makes me laugh, sings karaoke and poaches a mean egg.

No matter what number you’re at this year, do not panic. The next coffee table-hauling, egg-poaching, dead guy-finding Love Interest of your own might be right around the corner.