What you think when you finally turn 30 after 29 years and 364 days

You have people who completely ignore their own birthday. And especially their thirtieth birthday: they don't see it as a reason for a party. I certainly do not belong to that team.

I prefer to celebrate big, bigger, biggest. Preferably for a week. Preferably in a glitter dress and with swirly heels and curls in my hair. With a dance on the bar, that idea. The whole week I prepare for this weekend. Nails are done, hair is colored. After 29 years and 364 days, I finally turn 30. A thirty-something. A new club for me.

It actually feels good, I'm happy with it. The house, the man, the two kids, the two cats, the nice job: I actually have it all. I even have the Chanel bag dangling from my arm. Yes, I was surprised too. That thing you always dreamed of as a young girl… And thought: when I eeeeeever turn thirty (you thought that was SO OLD back then), I will have it all together. That little house, tree, animal, bag. Wow. I suddenly really have it. Small realization moment. Now just that Labrador puppy, and then I will be a fully-fledged adult.

Now that it's finally here, after all those years of partying and fun, you think about this:

1. Is thirty old?

2. Yes, quite, right? I once thought twenty was old. Look at me now.

3. The years of fun in the pub and doing nothing on the couch have pretty much faded away.

4. What will my thirties bring me? I hope for more kids and a bit more sleep per night.

5. That I am already a mother of two boys at this age: what luck.

6. Can you still order Flügel when you're thirty? Yes, right?

7. Do hangovers get less severe when you're older? No way?

8. I'll just order that Flügel, you know. Cheers. It's a party.

9. But I will bring flat shoes. Nice, those heels, but I haven't danced comfortably in them since 2017.

10. When I turned twenty, I was at Bubbels on Leidseplein. I can't go back to…

11. I want to go to Bubbels. Otherwise, I feel ancient.

12. But first my party at George's. By the water, balloons all over the place, a gin and tonic bar… I told you: I love over the top.

13. How can people not love celebrating their birthday?

14. I certainly enjoyed my twenties. What a ball.

15. Time for some more serious things in life maybe now. Writing that book. A goal, a plan, a mission. Being a mother.

16. Serious is fun, but I'm still ordering that Flügel, you know. It has to stay fun.

17. I'm glad I have the privilege of turning thirty. With a sweet and nice man, with the prettiest and sweetest children, with the most fun girlfriends and with a always-there-for-you (in-law) family. Not everyone is granted that. May we all be here again on my fortieth. With that Labrador puppy included. Cheers!