The Big 3-0

This year, I've missed some pretty big milestones. My sister's wedding. My daughter's second birthday. My son's first day of school. Today, I'm celebrating my 30th birthday in Australia, away from my family. I feel sad, but at the same time grateful for all the effort my family and friends here have put into making me feel special.

Last Saturday, I went on a picnic with my college friends in Coogee Beach. Probably because they've been in my situation before, they did not make me spend for anything except my train and bus fares. I spent the day with Jackie and her husband Alexis, and their daughter Lexie; Chloe Ann and her fiance Mico; Lenfree; Joaquin; and a couple of new friends, Keith and Chris. We grilled and talked and laughed and went "babe watching". I wore a swimsuit for the first time in more than 3 years.  I sunbathed for a good 20 minutes and read under the shade of a tree.

 Coogee Beach

 Australians sure know how to spend their weekends!

 Grilling our lunch

 My friends: (L-R) Mico, Lenfree, Alexis, Chloe Ann, Keith 

As we were preparing to leave, Jackie greeted me in advance and revealed that the picnic was actually an advance celebration for my birthday, since they would all be working on the day itself. I was so touched.... and speechless. I think I gushed and blubbed something, I forget.

We later went to Bondi Beach to get some Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Joaquin treated me to this:

It was soooo delicious and rich! Unfortunately, I seem to have developed an intolerance to dairy and proceeded to puke. It was so embarrassing. We were laughing and having a grand time one moment, and I was puking into Joauquin's cup the next. I felt so bad that I had to end the night that way.


The next day, I wanted to go to the mall to buy myself little somethings. I told my cousin that I'm going out, blah, blah, blah. Later, I decided to order online because the branch I'm going to doesn't have the CC cream I want and the makeup brush I wanted was of of stock. I decided that I wouldn't go to all the trouble of dressing up and paying for my train fare for a $4 eyebrow kit. Instead, I ordered everything online. When my cousin and her family got back, she surprised me with a powder compact from The Face Shop (a quality Korean cosmetics brand) and a big bar of Kitkat Cookies and Cream chocolate.

I did not expect anything at all! We had pizza for dinner to celebrate my birthday. :)

Today, on the day itself, I went to mass. I always like to start my day with prayer, it gives me clarity and purpose. I gave thanks to God for giving me this beautiful life. Earlier, I was awakened by a call from my parents and sister. In times like these, I am so grateful for their love and support. They told me they will have spaghetti and fried chicken with my kids later.

At 20, I was itching to be free of my family and get married to the love of my life. The possibilities were endless, career-wise. We had plans of emigrating to the US and get married there. Now, 10 years on, I am re-starting my nursing career. I am married almost 5 years, with two adorable children. My husband adores me and our marriage is strong. I have had the honor of raising my children and being there for them full-time for 2 years. I have mended bridges with my parents and siblings. I may not have as many friends as before, but the friends I have now are true. I consider those my successes.

Having been given this opportunity to start a life in Australia is something that I am very grateful to God for. My parents funded everything, with some pocket money from Jeno's aunt. My children are well-looked after. I have been given the chance to live as a single lady for the past 6 months: no worrying about my babies and husband, no stressing about budget, etc. This is the part that I skipped in my 20s that I have now been given.

I don't mind missing my husband's birthday or our 5th wedding anniversary, if only I get sponsored by an employer for a working visa. I'm sure it will be worth it. We will have more years (and money) to celebrate them.

My 20s have been turbulent. May my 30s be more focused, prosperous, and serene. :)

xoxo