The Big One

Birthday cards and tulips from family and friends.

The New Year has started with a bang and without the chance to fully process all that's taken place this last year, and all we have to look forward to in 2010, I find myself facing a big milestone this weekend. Yes, I've reached the BIG one...today I turn 30! The surprising part is that I'm actually feeling fine with my new age. I'm even excited to enter this new decade of life. As my brother "kindly" reminded me last night, "it's like you've been living in your 30s for ages, maybe that's why it feels so comfortable for you." I'm not sure if I should take that as a dig or a compliment but regardless, I have decided that age is only a number and I'm going to jump in and embrace it!

Last night, my amazing husband helped me do just that by organizing a surprise dinner with four of our dear friends at one of our favourite restaurants here in Amsterdam - Cafe Loetje. It was such a fun evening and I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate.

Fillet Mignon dinner at Cafe Loetje (no, I did not eat all that food on my own!).

The girl side of the table - Annelise, Charlotte & Kara.

The boy side of the table - Ajolt, Chris & Jannie.

Our fantastic evening ended with a rousing and intense game of Koehandel (Cow Trading) back at our place. Playing this hilarious card game where you bid, buy, bluff and sell barnyard animals was the perfect way to reflect that you can never be too old to act like a kid - even at 30 and beyond!

An intense moment while playing the card game Koehandel (Cow Trading).

As for today on my actual birthday, I sit inside my warm cozy home with my husband by my side as we watch the snow continue to fall in Amsterdam and I write this post.

I am truly blessed.