My 30th Birthday

A 30th Birthday, at Chefs Gallery, Parramatta NSW Australia

12th May 2017 - I've made it to my 30th Birthday. And the first thing I did was take a few days off to celebrate with Hai, friends and family. The second thing was to cry in private because I was turning thirty (just kidding).

I used my days off to reconnect with music, to catch up on my blog emails, walk, read my books and play with my dogs. It was really satisfying to put aside time for myself.
The rest of the week I spent with Hai - he took me to two zoos, camping at Pretty Beach, buffet dinners and adorned me with lots of birthday presents.

I also compiled a list. Thirty lessons, guidance, or "canon" I've written as a testimony to my life. I took some time to really reflect on my life and the person I am today.  I understand and know myself better then ever - so this list is designed to gently remind me to be myself no matter what.

1. Natalie, don't be afraid to admit you love pop music. Who cares what people say, your iPod is full of it and you should be proud of it (even if they say "What IS this song?" or "Uhh, what's this?"). They're just bitter people.
2. Natalie, don't change the song that you obviously love when a passenger gets in your car. It's your car, your music. Own your love for that song.
3. Natalie - Yes. You love hot chips with tomato sauce and chicken salt. Don't let anyone argue with you that gravy is better. Or garlic sauce is. Or BBQ sauce is. Seriously, screw them.
4. Natalie, you love soggy hot chips. Again, don't let anyone tell you that crunchy or crinkle chips are better. F*ck that.
5.  Natalie, you love Japanese Curry, it always cheers you up. Especially when loaded with lots of potatoes. Stay away from cabbage in curry; it makes it taste gross. And never again eat the curry from Ryo's. You've had your heart broken before, don't let it happen again.
6. Natalie, your favorite song is "My Girl" by The Temptations. Listen to it when you feel sad.
7. Natalie, don't weigh your bag with too many lipsticks. Rotate them, don't just add more into the side pocket for "lipstick emergencies".
8. Natalie, keep your bangs. Side fringes look terrible on you.
9. Natalie, wash your hair every three days. Don't kid yourself, four days without washing is pushing it.
10. Natalie, your favourite desserts flavour is chocolate. Don't be afraid to ask for it. You've ended up sharing way too many non-chocolate desserts with people in the past.
11. Natalie, keep spelling Mom as Mom. Who cares if its American spelling.
12. Natalie, don't tolerate rude people. Seriously, the people who have excessive foul mouths, the people who don't RSVP, the people who are flaky and cancel plans. Screw 'em.
13. Natalie, those who double book and cancel on you to go spend time with another, are not YOUR type of people. Stick with those who care about you. Stick with those who stick by their word.
14. Natalie, those people who take days to reply back to your message, are not OK. They obviously do not put you as a priority.
15. Natalie, you do not own too many backpacks. You love backpacks. Keep buying them.
16. Natalie, same rule applies for lipsticks.
17. Natalie, keep documenting your life. The events, laughter and time goes. But the photos, are forever. They enhance the memories. So don't feel embarrassed taking the camera out to capture these moments.
18. Natalie, your favourite movie is Love Actually. Keep watching it every year at Christmas, by yourself. (When you watch with other people you tend to worry if they are enjoying the movie).
19. Natalie, hugging dogs and dancing will always brings you joy, no matter how sad you are.
20. Natalie, same applies for when you hug Hai.
21. Natalie, you don't have a favourite colour. Equal contenders are - all pastel colours. dusty pink, teal, dark pink, dusty blue, sky blue, gold, rose gold and apple. But don't own too many bright coloured clothing, it does not work on you. Continue wearing blacks, browns and greys - they make your bright lipsticks pop.
22. Natalie, keep hiking. You love it; you're in your element. You feel at peace and feel free.
23. Natalie, don't forget your past. Don't regret your mistakes and decisions. They made you who you are - stronger, wiser, resilient, empathetic, independent and vocal.
24. Natalie, take care of your phone. You've had three phone funerals in the last year alone.
25. Natalie, you can't handle your Soju. Down the Vodka, down the Hennessy. Put the Soju down.
26. Natalie, keep love in your heart. Speak kindly, don't judge, be understanding, be emphatic. You only have one life.
27. Natalie, listen to the song 'The Funeral' by Band of Horses whenever you are mad at someone.
28. Natalie, continue to plan hikes once a month, to try to new restaurants, walk the dogs every week, to cook something new. Even if you lose sleep over it., continue to be passionate about living your life.
29. Natalie, you love to read. So keep putting aside time for it. Read when you can - an hour before bed, while you're cooking dinner, when you eat breakfast on the weekends. Books complete you.
30. Natalie, always remember to recognize your happiness. Don't be scared of it when it comes your way. Don't push it away like you think you don't deserve it. Your own Happiness should be your number one priority. Embrace it. Enhance it. Keep fighting for it.

I also want to give my deepest thanks to those that celebrated my birthday with me - with laser tag and dinner at Chefs Gallery. The thoughtful gifts - like my teapot, tea flask, backpack, 511 pants, books and pens, POP vinyls, Silverbullet curler, personalized purse, earrings, Sailor Moon beauty products, Lush and Star Wars products - they will be cherished and stay with me forever.
And lastly, I want to thank Betty, for my amazing unicorn cake! I know it took you hours and I'm grateful for the time and effort. That means more to me then any gift. Your friendship has guided me through my twenties and I know our friendship will grow even stronger into our thirties <3