I've Joined the BIG 4-0 Club!

I wrote my last blog as a 30-something, but write this as a 40-something. In between the two entries, I left my youth behind and became 'middle-aged'!

On 19 March, friends and family descended on us for my 40th birthday celebrations. My dad and stepmum flew in from the Small Island and others came from various parts of Ewww-rope and Brrringland.

We had a Thai buffet lunch at the local pub and there were 16 adults and six kids. We pretty much took over the whole place and a great time was had by everyone. The kids played with toys that my stepmum had brought with her and she and my dad were a big hit with the children.

I sat safely esconded in the 'adults only' table drapped in mink and bling. P and my friends all chipped in to buy me a Paraiba Tourmaline ring surrounded by diamonds. I had several vodka cranberries for company too so all was well in the birthday girl's world. :-)

We spent the aftern0on eating, drinking, chatting and generally having a super time. I had friends there, both new ones that we've made since we moved here, and close friends that I've known for over 20 years. I did miss some other friends from back home...but I know that it wouldn't have been possible to have everyone I love all in one place at the same time!

The day really flew by in a blurr, as did the rest of the two weeks that my parents were with P and me.

We packed so much into those 16 days that both my dad and I got sick with terrible hacking coughs. However, that didn't stop us from being on the go! We visited P's uncle on his farm, saw my dad's sister in the countryside and made lots of side trips in between.

P and I both really enjoyed having my parents with us. My stepmum cooked us some delicious meals and she was wonderful company. We had lots of lovely chats and spent my actual birthday shopping at a country fair. Seeing my dad was great too. It was really hard to say goodbye to them at the airport at the end of their holiday and I miss them so very much, but we have lots to look forward to next year.

We plan on visiting P's parents in Oz in July 2011. My parents will come with us so it'll be a proper 'in-law' family reunion! The last time we were all together was at our wedding in 2007 so the trip should be a good laugh.

P's dad is also arriving here on 20 May for five weeks. He won't be with us the entire time but will use our house as a base from which to visit friends and family. His trip slightly overlaps with Yeller Fever's, who will be here with his girlfriend on 11 June. To say that I am looking forward to seeing all of them is an understatement.

While I feel settled here now, my family and friends have become more and more important to me. I am used to the Brrringlish ways and I do like working in this country as employees have a lot of rights. P and I are even thinking of buying a house here later this year. I only wish I could see my parents and friends from the Small Island every week like I used to. Then I think, life would be just about perfect.

I may not write much over the next couple of months as we'll be very busy. With the warm weather arriving, P and I have spent most of this weekend gardening. We also have a couple of weekend trips planned. However, do know that I'm thinking about all of you and I'll be back when I have some spare time in between all the visits and activities!