Grateful on my 35th

I couldn't let January pass without having a (belated) birthday post. This month has been amazing.  I've always been glad that I celebrate my birthday on the first month of the year.  I feel like it's an advantage that I start my year celebrating my birthday and then focus on the rest of my year making my dreams come true.

My word on my birthday is GRATEFUL.  It's been my word for the past few months and I plan to make it my everyday word.  GRATEFUL is my word because when I say that word, it is actually my prayer of thanks to God.

I'm on my 35th year and even if I still have many things to do, I'm very grateful for every blessing that has been given to me, my family and friends.  I value every blessing, opportunity and circumstance that I'm able to witness in my life and my loved ones' lives.

There were no plans for any birthday celebrations but it just happened.  We have two group of friends whom we regularly hang out with and somehow the stars aligned that I got to spend time with them two weekends before my birthday.

My lovable Tweethearts had an 80's themed party on the first Saturday of the month.  It was a day filled with downing delicious home-cooked meals and singing our hearts out with the help of a Magic Sing microphone.  Birit kung birit!  It was so much fun singing and dancing to our favourite tunes (mostly) from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s.  We all went home with tummies full and hearts aglow from our get together.

The following weekend,  I had dinner with my dearest Kolokoys at Phoenix Parramatta and savoured the best Chinese dishes ever created.  I shared the celebration with two of our fellow Kolokoys who were also January celebrants, Gary and little Bella.  The Kolokoys have a very special bond.  Throughout the years, we have grown together like a family and have witnessed each other's milestones.  Compared to our past group dates, this birthday celebration with them was actually an impromptu celebration.  A few days before Saturday, an email was sent and even if it was short notice, they all came.  It was truly touching.

Two days before we left for Melbourne, we had a quiet dinner with my relatives.  I'm so grateful that even if we scheduled it in the middle of the week, they were able to join us.  Whether there's an occasion or not, I love spending time with them.

Now the Melbourne trip, was yet another unplanned short vacation.  We were having breakfast one Sunday in December and decided to just go ahead with it.  We were actually set on staying in Sydney.  However, celebrating 2 big milestones (our 5th wedding anniversary and my 35th birthday), we had that big urge to get out of Sydney and be somewhere.

As mentioned in a previous post, our Melbourne trip was truly amazing: celebrating with friends, having gastronomical indulgences with the Husband, watching a game at Rod Laver Arena for the Australian Open and being able to see one of the best tennis players of history, Roger Federer, made my birthday more fantastic.

Even if I was very quiet about my birthday at the office, the word got out and my workmates organized morning tea in honour of me.  

And just when I thought that all the celebrations were over, the Husband went home last night with one of my favourite sponge cakes in tow.  He made me wish and blow the candle on my cake as he sang "Happy Birthday" in Korean.  Yes, in Korean!!! haha.  How funny and sweet is that?  The Husband said he thought that we should celebrate my birthday before January finally ends.  

Five celebrations with friends.  Five cakes. Four days in Melbourne.  One tennis match I will always remember.  Lots of gifts from family and friends.  Sweet and touching birthday greetings throughout the month.  The feeling that I'm loved and important to people whom I love too.  Eternally priceless. 

I'm GRATEFUL.