« I <3 Technology | Main | Post-Birthday Update »
Turning Thirty
By Harmony | July 3, 2009 | 5:48 pm
It’s the day before my 30th birthday. Never in a million years did I think I would celebrate such a landmark birthday in Africa. In fact, until just a year ago, I never imagined I’d ever make a trip to the continent in the first place!
If you asked me when I was 20 where my life would lead me up to 30, I’m sure wouldn’t have thought it’d be here. I figured I’d probably just settle down, get married, get knocked up, and live the same life that many of my friends do. While there is plenty of happiness in that life for them, it’s really not what I ever wanted for myself. I like my independence, the challenges, and the experiences that I’ve encountered. I am glad to be here, and I only hope that the next ten years are as awesomely interesting as the last ten.
Speaking of 20, I remember that birthday quite vividly. My ex-husband (then boyfriend) threw a nice party for me. I got a 35mm camera that year as a gift. I was a younger me, in my “goth” phase, wearing dark eye makeup and black clothes and chains around my neck and wallet. Can you imagine? Haha! And yet, thinking back to who I was as a person, the substance of me, I don’t think I’ve changed all that much at all.
So what will the next ten years bring? I suppose only time will tell. Maybe I’ll have the opportunity to travel the world many times over. Or perhaps I’ll just explore the landscapes of my own country, something I haven’t done quite yet. Maybe I’ll go back and get a graduate degree. Or maybe even a PhD, who knows? All I do know is that the time will not be spent idly. I’m too antsy to stay in one place very long!
So how do I plan to celebrate this monumental birthday occasion? Well, I could have taken a bus to Nairobi and partied like a rock star there. I even had an invitation to spend the weekend on the north coast on the Tana River Delta. No, it’s going to be a low-key birthday for me. At the moment I am in a hotel, enjoying amenities such as air conditioning, a shower and a real western-style toilet. It’s a little birthday present to myself. Tomorrow, I might meet up with two or three friends. To me, it’s all about relaxing.
By the way, I hope everyone has an enjoyable 4th of July holiday. I’ll be thinking about all the barbecues, fireworks, and shindigs I’m missing!
Photo: Me at age 29 and 364 days. My hair is getting a bit grayer, but I’m still none the worse for wear.
Topics: Uncategorized |
July 4th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!
July 6th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Harmony…meet up with 2 or 3 friends? Sorry to have spoiled your plan for a low-key birthday!
July 6th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
You look lovely in that picture. I love it. Sounds like you had a great birthday. Welcome to the 30’s club
July 7th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Happy B Day from your friend that likes Dr. Seuss! I hope you had a great one!
July 8th, 2009 at 3:34 am
Holla sugar-harmony.
I hope the year is made of win.
And … way to be impressive, btw.
July 8th, 2009 at 3:34 am
lol…
and that should have included, “Happy Birthday”.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Happy Belated B-Day!
Btw, I totally owe you an email - haven’t forgotten