the fourth (and fifth) of july.

30 has arrived. Finally! I've been waiting to feel like an adult for ages, and now I do. And to celebrate my new found adulthood, I wore my brand new Pikachu t-shirt with pride while playing Mario Kart with my beautiful and loving wife. Ah yes, I think my thirties are going to be quite nice.

Before celebrating my first Australian birthday, our neighbourhood had a fireworks show for the 4th (and every Friday until the end of August). Since it really isn't my birthday without fireworks, we bundled up in our winter gear and braved the cold to sit by the waters edge and watch the show. It was definitely worth it. The fireworks lasted about 20 minutes and were primarily red, white and blue (in honour of 'Murica of course). They also had a DJ spinning songs about freedom and independence, to get everyone in the right spirit. It was pretty fun having a 4th of July fireworks for America while being in Australia, and it made me think about how fun it would be if America celebrated Australia Day with a BBQ on the beach in January! Perhaps I'll have to start the tradition someday...

After watching the fireworks we settled in to watch Late Night with Jimmy, and Candice baked me a cake (my second in 2 weeks!) that we enjoyed together. On a side note, sadly they don't have funfetti cake here, but cinnamon tea cake is just as good. 

cake #1

For my birthday, we had a relaxing morning enjoying a delicious brunch she prepared, then I opened presents from Candice. In addition to my Pikachu t-shirt I also got a "World's best 30 year old" mug and a little tray to place used tea bags that has two koalas cuddling on it. It was wonderful!

teatime.

For my birthday dinner, we found a southern restaurant with Jambalaya and corn bread, both of which I had been craving for months. The Jambalaya was a little more exotic than I'm used to as it had octopus and mussels, but it was delicious. Unfortunately I got sick shortly afterwards and felt crummy for the rest of the evening, but that's the price I sometimes have to pay to eat rich, spicy food. To finish off the day, Candice and I watched Mean Girls, because nothing says turning 30 like a high school comedy.

The other highlight of my weekend was being able to connect with family through FaceTime, and all the texts and Facebook messages from friends. I'm used to spending birthdays with all those I love in person, and it was difficult to be away from them, but I felt very celebrated by all those who reached out to me. So thank you!

To end, here are a few goals I've set for my 30th year: 

- visit the remaining states of Australia (I've been to 4 of the 7 so far)

- travel to New Zealand ("the Kortlevers are going to Isengard!")

- 3-star every race on 150cc in Mario Kart 8 (darn you Baby Rosalina!)
- make local friends!
- get a puppy?

BK