Blessing #55 - A Prime Year

On Saturday, I am turning 29 (for the first time). Part of turning 29 really creeps me out, and I have no idea why. However, a much larger part of me is very excited! Why? Simply because 29 is a prime number.

Ever since I read the book Fermat's Enigma a few years ago, I have had a fascination with prime numbers. When they show up in the world, I pay attention.

Warning: Strong mathematical content to follow. Read slowly.

Prime numbers are numbers whose only factors are one and itself. For example the factors of 24 are 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24, but the only factors of 29 are 1 and 29. It's beautifully prime.

Prime numbers are the individuals in the number world, the rebels. All the other numbers are only products of putting primes together. For example, 24 can be made by multiplying 2 times 2 times 2 times 3, but a prime number is a beautiful, unique piece of art.

Primes are not only individuals and rebels, but they are also mysterious. One of the greatest mathematical mysteries is finding a pattern to the primes. The security of our debit cards and other information is based on the mysteriousness of primes.

So although it creeps me out that I'm only one year away from...thirrrrrrty, I can't help but smile knowing that this year, I'm in my prime.