One of the most beautiful places on earth....home.
This year is my 40th. I say that with much hesitation for fear that you will view me differently. I have been practising the word over and over again for months now so that I get use to it and it doesn't come as too much of a shock when the day finally arrives.
40 isn't old anymore - not like what I thought when my very own parents arrived at the same age. My mother had five children by the time she was 31 years old and by the time she was 40, she felt like she had done it all. It was time for retirement.
40 isn't old anymore - not like what I thought when my very own parents arrived at the same age. My mother had five children by the time she was 31 years old and by the time she was 40, she felt like she had done it all. It was time for retirement.
For me, my life is just starting. I have spent the past 20 years having the time of my life ticking most things off that bucket list that I drew up when I was just 16 years of age. I have travelled the world over and over again, bought every material possession I have ever cared to own and have a wealth of experience in business. But the most important accomplishment is my family and friends.
My family are the most down to earth, loyal people you could ever meet. They put no pressure on me to conform and are always there to hold my hand whenever I need them to be. As a first generation Australian and possibly the last generation Australian, I have been blessed over and over again with the diversity of my family, the different cultures that inhibit the different members of my family and the fact that each of them are such good, kind, generous people.
With this in mind, I am spending my birthday in Europe, with my family, in Pirovac, Croatia, connecting with my family members some of which don't speak English. Pirovac is still very much a village with less than 1846 people. It is the place where my father has been buried and one of the most beautiful beachside towns in all of Croatia.
I will spend time with every member of my family, try poorly to speak Croatian, eat and drink local wine and cuisine made my family members and soak up the rays of sunshine in one of the most stunning places on earth.
I can't wait to be told "that (sic) I am too skinny" over and over again by the elders in the family who will try and fatten me up, nor can I wait to hear the stories of yesterday.
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comments ( 3 )
Maria Alda Prawitera
03 Apr 2013It's funny how times have changed! Being 31 and have 5 children would be completely normal back then, but now? I have a friend who is 27 years old doing Masters with me, she is still single and still having the time of her life, studying! I, myself, am turning 22 this year, but I am not planning to get married of have children until unless I'm over 30! I guess women in general are getting more and more into living life to the fullest before marriage or having kids! :D
ReplyMelinda
13 Mar 2013I believe that when you grow up with a diverse background and/or have a wealth of travelling experience, it promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of cultures that may be outside your comfort zone. Furthermore, if you have at least a minimal level of skill in another language, it may give you an upper hand in the business world. In a rapidly globalising environment where technology is developing in leaps and bounds, a sound knowledge of how to perform in different cultural climates is an essential skill to have.
Replymina arsala
06 Mar 2013I feel the same if anything, my mum arrived in Australia with 3 kids in tow aged 1,6 and 11. She was only 31! Now me at 23 feel so old, I should have a 4 year old by now. Your right in saying that 40 isn't that old now. If anything 40 is thenew 21 and Melissah I haven't seen you before but looking at your pictures I thought you were in your mid 20s! Whatever your doing keep on doing it coz it's working!!
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