From Electric 30 to Reflective 40

Standing in the kitchen preparing food for my 40^th birthday. I still have 24 hours: As I prepare the food for the guests and I try to remove the top of a hand blender that just “freshly” cut some Beetroot for the potato salad, my mind takes me ten years back. On a fast forward 10-year- memory trip that lasted not longer then 10 minutes. The good, the bad and the ugly added with priceless beautiful recollections. As I was still daydreaming, my mind abruptly shifted. Somehow, the blender ended up in the sink filled with water.

I gazed at the plugged equipment and took the part that was in the water out. Next thing I felt was an electrocution going through my hand to the rest of my body. It literally stopped reaching my feet when I screamed and threw the device on top of the sink. I was shocked!

I was fortunate to have slippers on, I guess. Usually I walk on barefoot at home during the summer. If not for the chilliness that night, my 40^th birthday might not take place the next day. That thought made me shrivel yet incredible grateful to the Almighty Creator of this universe.  In the meantime, the clock was ticking away. Less than 20 hours to go before my BBQ party, at the same open garden I organized my son’s birthday party.  So, I waited a few hours to summon up courage to unplug the blender, while continuing cooking. I thought, if the electric shock didn’t knock me out then the weather doesn’t stand a chance.

When I decided to organize a BBQ party two weeks prior to my birthday, the weather forecast in Amsterdam showed 25 °C with no rain. On the day itself, the temperature dropped to 19°C with rain. What can I say other than, you can’t rely too much on the Dutch weather.

But let’s be frank, would you attend a rainy, windy, cold, BBQ party outside, during this “Coshit” period, I mean Covid? For me, there was no turning back. Everything was set already, rain or storm, the party must go on. Happily the weather didn’t turn out that bad.

Imagine the marathon of weather prayers I had for days.  Quite a different mood from my birthday 10 years ago: The weather was fantastic. I organized my “double trouble” party theme. It started at 9:00 pm: drinks and finger food at my place with about 20 people. Between 12:00 and 01:00 am, 14 of us hit the club, Vakzuid (a notable club/hall in Amsterdam) to join the “Soul Train” party that was hosted there.  Don P was there too (giggling here, some flashbacks of us are popping up). We were dating back then, but nothing serious from my end. I never thought ten years later we still be kicking it together.

That night I had so much fun. Danced like there was no tomorrow. From the beginning we entered the club till we left I was on the dance floor. Then came home slept three hours on the couch and got ready to board a flight to New York.  I continued my sleep on the plane, opened my eyes only when the stewards passed with the food and drinks.I don’t play with food and drinks I paid for in advance.

The best part of my 30th b-day party was that I was able to celebrate my birthday with my loved ones twice in two continents.

I think that was one of the greatest gifts I gave myself. I loved my double 30th birthday. It was perfect for that time and phase of my life. Like this year was beautiful and perfect for the phase I am in. I have a different life now with a partner and children. So I am happy how my 40th year began.

Looking at the last ten years many ‘friends’ have come and go. Luckily I can boast about the ones that are still around me. Even though they are small in numbers, it feels like I have an army of friends, I can count on. Not to mention my immediate family, they are always present.

Special warm thanks to those I never have to second guess about my place in their lives and vice versa. We are always (in) directly connected. You know who you are. Also to everyone that has been part of my journey from the beginning till date. For those that recently joined, let’s continue the ride…

Ten years ended literally with an electric moment of reflection. Now with a lot more silver strands ( hope they are strands of wisdom) growing out of the root of my head. I say that my gratitude for every lesson in my life, no matter how little or insignificant it seems is huge. Just like letting go on whatever does not serve my life anymore. Change is inevitable. I am 40-years-young now!

How did you experience your 10 year transition? Share your thoughts with me. Drop your comments below.

Images from:

40th Birthday Party – Suka Photography

Getting ready for my unplanned speech at 40 – Suka Photography

30th Birthday ” Double Trouble” party

30th Birthday partying at Vakzuid , Soultrain

30th Birthday at Union Square on top of a building , New York

Showing my gratitude to everyone that was present at my 40th Earthday – Suka Photography