thirty

Right-o! Just turned 30 before Christmas and man that was something! I just feel different altogether somehow and just can’t pinpoint what it is… But not in a negative sense, don’t get me wrong. Just different. I feel the 3 decades past me and at this point, for such an important number, I can’t help but reflect on what I’ve accomplished and where I’m heading. The big-0 is such a threshold and somehow I could remember them better…

At 10, I was moving house. It was the time that I was leaving my mom’s family in Laguna and I was going to live with my auntie Ronnie in Makati first before moving to Pasig to join my auntie Dell. I can’t remember how my birthday was but I remember that I was in Benitez School. My baon was 2 pesos a week and I was constantly visited by my classmates knocking at our gate asking if Katheryn was in, much to the amusement of my uncle Tazar. At this time, my accomplishment was learning to ride a bicycle and skipping the Chinese garter way up past my head. Man! Was I nimble or what!!!

At 20, I just finished college and was starting my French lessons in Geneva. It was tough coz I was adjusting to the European culture AND climate. I missed my barkadas in Pinas and the hustle and bustle of our youth group. It was tough and I had just my auntie Dell and uncle Charles who were really precious and supportive but I missed my own age group and just the fun and laughter of young people. It was time of introspection and learning to live as an individual again, independent of any group. Eventually, I adjusted to my new life and Geneva became my HOME in the real sense of the word. I grew up so much in every way possible when I was there.

Now at 30, I’m in Germany, with a wonderful husband and a charming two-year old son. I have a cool job, still helping the local church, organizing activities for the youth and enjoying a comfortable, laid-back life, thru God’s help. I have traveled fairly well and met both great and horrible people. My French is doing well and I can converse a bit more in German while I completely revel in English and Filipino plus starting with Spanish seriously this time. I was no longer the baby of the group in the office coz I’m now 30 so I sort of check my behavior and see if I’m acting my age... I feel stronger and capable of running my life and have been blessed with a wonderful new family. But I also noticed that my elders were growing old and slowly but surely I was taking their place, i.e. instead of taking care of me, I’m slowly taking care of them.

Somehow I became more aware of growing old when I reached this age. But this is how life is... Ainsi va la vie... like they say in French. Being 30 is a threshold of maturity and a step forward to more responsibilities in life. I sometimes feel apprehension for my future but I don’t want to wallow in imaginings so like I always say to myself “I’ll cross the river when I get there.” Somehow, one way or another, things in life just arranges itself according to where its headed sooner or later anyway, so...

At 30, I am grateful. Because my life has been showered with blessings and almost all my wishes came true so I can never ask for more. I just have to remember to keep strong in times of trouble and be happy.

That’s where I am at 30… wonder where I’ll be at 40?!?

PS: My wonderful husband threw a big party for my 30th and here are some photos. I'd like to thank all my family, friends, office mates and acquaintances for being there! Touched ako promise!!! and to my one and only I LOVE YOU SCHATZ, bis zum Mond und zurück...