The road to 35

When I was younger, 35 seemed SO OLD. It was like legitimately grown up, mortgage, kids old. And on January 22 I turned 35. Except I don’t feel that old. I still feel like I’m 22. I’m more tired than I was at 22 (ironic since back then I used to go out and stay out way past 10:30) but I guess I was also able to sleep in way more than my two little ones allow.

To celebrate my turning ‘SO OLD’ here are ten things I never in a million years thought I would be saying at 35 back when I thought 35 was old, old, old.

1) I’m married to Randy Ali, who, in High School, I used to talk to for hours on the phone while listening to Z100 at age 13. Who in band class in 8th grade I used to get so excited when he would try to tickle my knee. Who during high school I would love when he dropped of all our other friends off first and dropped me off last and would change the radio station from rap to easy listening which he knew I liked.

2) We have two beautiful boys who call me mommy and mama! It still blows my mind that these two amazing little people will grow up with me as their mom.

3) We live in the Philippines…I think that says it all.

4) I work for the State Department. This I would never have imagined. Even more so that I work in the Press office, which is ironic since before starting I don’t think I read a newspaper ever…

5) We own a car. Our car is actually the first car I’ve ever owned! Of course driving that car around Manila is not always where I want to be.

6) I have a full fridge every single day (this is extremely amazing considering when we lived in London there were Saturday mornings we woke up and had nothing by ketchup and water in our fridge).

7) We have two people working for us full time, a live in nanny and a full time housekeeper! This still blows my mind. I remember how excited I was to have a cleaning lady come every two weeks when we moved to London. I really am not sure how I will ever live without all the help I have now. It is pretty amazing to not have to clean or cook when I get home from work and get to spend the time with the boys instead.

8) I love my birthday but I love my boys birthdays and seeing them have fun at their parties and open their presents means more to me than my own birthday.

9) I have traveled to so many countries and seen so many beautiful things that I never in a million years thought I would get to, Paris, Safari in South Africa, Bali, Australia,Seychelles, Vietnam and so many more!

10) We have a beautiful apartment full of stuff. We have stuff for days! I remember when Randy and I first moved in together we had a couple Ikea pieces of furniture and my bed from college. Our first Christmas we didn’t have any ornaments. I bought a box of wooden ornaments and that was all we had on our tree.

For my 35th birthday I woke up and Adam came running into my room. He asked me if we were going to have cake after breakfast. I said of course not. He tore out and I heard him run to Randy and say “Daddy, mommy said no cake”. I knew something was up.

I walked out and Randy had gotten treats from Wildflour. We had a yummy breakfast and then all Adam’s dreams came true. We had cake for breakfast! Randy and I had dinner planned our for my birthday so it was the only time we had for a cake. I loved it.

Then it was off to work for Randy and me and to school for Adam. My work friends had two cakes for me and all my friends and family called and wrote with birthday wishes.

Before I knew it I was home and the boys and Randy gave me flowers, cards and a beautiful necklace!

I’ve been wearing it every day since. I’m sure all my work colleagues are sick of looking at it. Randy remembered a certain brand I mentioned and months later picked out a beautiful necklace. I really am lucky to have such a thoughtful husband. After presents and cards, Randy and I headed out for a yummy steak dinner with red wine.