35 is old?

I am going to be in my mid-30s in a few hours. 

35 years old. 

That's a totally different group age. Mid-30s. 

That sounds so old. Adults and kids around me would think that I know a lot and that I am absolutely sure what I'm doing with my life. Ha, they would be so wrong! I became the master of winging it! 

35 years old. 

That age has been on my mind for the past year that I think I overindulge myself and lived as if this is my last year on earth.

I got a very good office with a dedicated parking space. 

I went “To The Top”, the tallest building in the world. I did enjoy the high speed elevator going all the way up to 124th floor. Woman on top – literally.

I went to Ski Dubai. Snow world in the middle of the desert. What man can do given the resources amazes me.

I have visited a very good friend in a foreign country and talked for hours.

First time, I rode an elephant for almost thirty minutes going from land to swamp.

I have stayed with my mother for six beautiful months in one house and didn't experience any drama. Drama between two of us, at least.

I have witnessed the biggest bonfire in Doha for a Christmas event in sand dunes. It was a really magical moment – Aladdin style but Christmassy.

I have toured Europe with my family (three kids! Three kids! Three kids! ) explored France, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. That’s eight countries in less than two months with family. Supreme bliss.

We have set a travel goal for the family. 100 countries to explore before our eldest turn 18.

I have traveled to my dream cities - Paris and Venice after years of imagination and lack of planning. I liked the engineering aspect of Eiffel Tower, yes it is amazing but the city, for me, is below my expectations. I found Venice romantic and unique but any body of water does not make me as happy as when I see mountain views, tall buildings or fancy hotels. Sometimes, we have to achieve our dreams to realize that our dreams are not what we were really looking for.

I experienced Disneyland. Enjoyed it, hated it, got tired of it and enjoyed it! Comes the realization that there are other places in the world way less commercialized than Disneyland. And way better for kids! 

I stayed in a five star cave hotel and explored Cappadocia with family. Majestic views of naughty rocks – nature and its kinky works!

I rode the hot air balloon for the first time.

I rode the hot air ballon for the first time with family!

I became a mom of seven-year old girl. That's something! I survived the first seven years of being a mom - YAY for me! 

My seven-year old girl and I went to a trip in Belgium together and enjoyed every minute of it - full of adventure and zero of drama!

I have started homeschooling my three adorable kids. No more overpriced tuition, no more school run, no more complaining to teachers about bullies. We could focus now on nurturing my kids’ gift in our own unique way.

With my husband’s commitment and dedication, we have started launching our family business. It is going to be lots of hard work – but a single step is the start of a journey.

I have experienced death in the family. It still hurts a lot – but I have come to terms of accepting that our life here on earth is way too short to indulge the feelings of pain and loss. Life is too short. I have learned all over that time with family members is way more important than petty quarrels.

I am proud of my beliefs without caring what society thinks. I have high opinion of religion, education and discrimination. It feels good to think for myself and not be “molded.”

I have loved to become a mother, poo and all. But I have also loved the fact that I’m done being hypocritical about it. Being a parent is not all good – there are times that I want to strap my kids to the wall and dose them with cough syrup or sleeping pills so I could rest. (So far, I haven’t done that!)

I enjoy being a witness of seeing my brothers and sisters grow up and contribute to society. My little sister got herself a new car, my little brother travelled to Southeast Asian countries and my littlest sister paid for a hotel buffet for all of us. I am a very proud big sister.

I am well respected in my field at work. I have received the biggest salary increase in my career life.. so far.

I am comfortable with my body. I have accepted that my breasts are not as firma s they used to be and that my bottom is not one of my strong asset.

My house is always messy. I do not need to pretend to my husband. If he can’t find a pair of socks, he looks for it (hell no, not me!) and if he can’t find it, he’s okay with wearing mismatched socks or torn shorts or un-ironed shirt.

And I am very glad that my mother-in-law can’t read this.

I have started not shouting anyone for whatever reasons. I have no grudge nor hang ups. I made peace with all the people around me. Well, except a number of ex-boyfriends who still can’t add me as their Facebook friends. (Can't blame them!)

I get on average 30-50 “Likes” to my Facebook posts because I always publish something positive. No drama. But most of the time, my cute kids photos and milestones – it’s an addiction. Who will not like that?

I am actively in contact with my real friends. I can count them in my ten fingers, but who needs loads of friends when I have the real ones?

I laughed out loud a lot until I pee it’s embarrassing.

I am 35 years old. I feel old, yes but simply because I  feel that I have a lot of wisdom to share. Not everything, but something. 

Happy birthday to me! and hoops, to my husband who's turning 37 and to my little sister who is turning 21 - legal age! 

Gotta love 23rd of August! A very special day indeed. 

Happy happy life! Thanks be to God!