Today is the day of my big 30th birthday bash. Well, tonight, to be precise. It’s got a hashtag. Yes, I’m THAT person {follow along at #sugersneon30th}. Tomorrow I turn thirty, so I thought now would be a good time in all the rush, the hustle and bustle to take a minute and take stock of the past 30 years. Remember what I can. Be grateful for it all. So I’m going to make a list. Because that’s the way my brain works, and I like lists.
Ready? Let’s go!
I am positive I knew just how lucky I was to be born to such amazing parents from day one. They were everything a girl like me needed in this life. So strong, independent and generous, and they made me that way too. My Dad will tell you; this was a deliberate effort on their part, so congratulation to them!
Despite every reason as a parent not to, they encouraged my voice and my spirit, as challenging as I’m sure that was. It allowed me to be me when most parents would have tried to kerb those traits somehow. They had known me before I did; they saw it in me from the start. I’m very grateful for them and all they have shared with me. They’re genuine people, my parents. Good people.
Great people, in fact.
Later I was joined by two siblings who have enriched my life beyond measure. These two fools are the best thing that could have happened to me. A brother AND a sister. The best of both worlds. I love those guys so badly. Their families, ever-growing, it seems like, make me proud to be their sister.
I’ll never forget my last night at home, curled up in my double bed together. We talked the night away and cried a little that life was changing. Even after all this time, I still feel that way when I’m away from them too long. They are a piece of me. I am grateful every day to have them in my life and share in theirs as they grow and have their story.
I was born into a large family.
Not my immediate family. There are only five of us. But my extended family. My Dad is one of eleven and my Mum one of five. I had cousins coming out of my ears since before I was born. Cousins who were {and still are} the best friends a girl could want. They challenged me, argued with me, laughed and cried with me. I got into trouble, got out of trouble and everything in between. I would not be who I am without their input. Thank you to them all.
I always joke that I don’t have many friends. Any friends, in fact. But I have been blessed in this life to have known friendship in the way I have throughout my life has been the greatest of gifts. I learnt what it was to care, share, and fight for who I am; that putting yourself out there is scary but worth it, and people are pretty much good. I’ve been stepped on, over and around, and I’m better for it.
Then late in 2009, I started a blog.
The internet was calling me, and I answered. Who knew what a world it would open up for me? The friends I’ve made, the adventures I’ve had, the opportunity to say stuff and people, somewhere, listen. Being online has shown me, people. I’ve learnt a lot about who people are, what they have experienced and who they want to be. I’ve journeyed with so many of you. We’ve come a long way. So, thank you to you, I carry you with me too.
And then finally, last and by no means least is my Kel.
Kel is the husband that 20-year-old me didn’t know she wanted but was smart enough to get anyway. The man laughs at me when I am crazy but held me tight when the crazy took over. They loved me before I knew how to love myself properly and shared this life with me long before it existed. I never thought I’d admit this out loud, but he has MADE my life. He has made my life the funniest, weirdest, greatest thing I ever could have imagined.
Gah. Crying.
Give me a second.
sniffle
And just like that, I’m ready to party! I’m ready to don my neon finery and party like it’s 1999 because baby, this is my 1999. Tomorrow I’ll be 30, and I cannot wait to see what life has in store for me from here on out. Over and out, Sugers. See you on the flip side.
Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.
Thank you! {Sorry, your comments got spammed for some reason!}. I’m looking forward to everything my 30’s has to offer. SO excited. Even if my experience so far is a virus complete with chesty cough. NOT a win.
Lovely piece of writing, I can only hope to have the courage to blog this honestly someday! Happy belated 30th, sounds like you had a blast!
Thank you CC. I absolutely had a blast. SO much fun.
I hope so too, there is a freedom in saying what there is to say for you. xo
Happy Birthday to you, lovely Melissa!!!! xxxxxxx
Thank you Kim! 🙂
Happy 30th Birthday my sweet. I hope your night was truely wonderful and that your 30’s are amazing and bring you all of your desires.
Thank you lovely lady. It was wonderful, all sorts of wonderful. xo
<3 <3 <3 Hope you had an epic and fun filled night! Happy Birthday! xo
Thank you Nat, I did. It was AMAZING. xo
A gorgeous post! It even made me sniffle! So happy we can now follow you along on your next 30 years of adventures! xx
Thank you Liv. Me too. You’re too much fun to not have along for the ride.
Wow! Happy 30th! Such a young poppet…the 30’s are a blast. Enjoy -xx-
Thank you! xo
Happy Birthday my darling Miss Suger! I hope you had a super fantastically wonderful night, did you feel me there in spirit? 😛 Embrace the dirty 30’s lovely lady, they really are phenomenal years. Love to you! xx
Thank you Rhi! Oh yes indeedie I did and you certainly were. Probably somewhere around my second wind on the dance floor. Haha. xo
Haaaaaapppyy Birthhhhdayyyyt!!!!!!! Thanks for being such a lovely person who shares so much with us all and lets us feel a part of all your loveliness … Love reading your posts and they sure do show that you must be part of an awesome family… Which you so deserve! … Wishing you a happy day and can’t wait to see party pics 🙂
You are SO welcome. Thank you for your wishes and kind words. xo
Well as I type it’s officially the day of your birthday. Your 30th birthday! Your 30th birthday did you hear that? Happy birthday my sweet, I hope it’s a magically special one for you. Your 30’s are going to rock, it really is the best. Your 20’s are all fun and games but your 30’s are where it’s at. Lots of squishy love and hugs. X
Thank you Trudie. xo
Happy birthday gorgeous! I hope you have a fantastic night, you deserve it! Xx
Thank you. And I did! SO great.
Happy 30th Suger! I really celebrated my 30th too, not quite a bash, but a happy dinner with people who matter 🙂
Thank you Vera. This was like an oversized happy dinner and was amazing.
What a lovely post! Happy Birthday beautiful fabulous lady! Hope you have a awesome party!
Thank you. I did. It was amazing.
Happy Birthday! xxx
Thank you Sophie.
Suger it’s your birthday… happy birthday Suger!!!!
I’m so excited that your big day is finally here and I hope you enjoy every wonderful neon second of it!!!
🙂
xx
Thank you Rinniez. GAH, had SUCH a great time. Every neon second.
Have a beautiful birthday!!
Thank you Jamie.
I hope you have an incredible night! 30 is going to look great on you xxx
Thank you, I DID! I certainly hope so. 😉
happy birthday! cannot wait to see pictures, the set up so far looks awesome, have an awesome night!
Thank you. It ended up an awesome night.
Happy Birthday to you.
Thank you!
Happy Birthday Suger! Can’t wait to see the photos from the event of the year 🙂
Thank you Renae. You shouldn’t have to wait too long. Hoping to get them up somewhere this afternoon.
Happy 30th, dear and inspiring Melissa!
This was a fantastic post. More so thn usual.
SSG xxx
Thank you SSG. I appreciate that. xo
WOOHOO
YAAAAY!
Happy 30th to one of the toppest chicks on the interwebs xx
Thank you Nikki.
Happy 30th birthday party day! I loved the ‘whistle stop’ tour 🙂
Party hard and enjoy every second x
Thank you. We had an amazing night. Busy but SO fun.
Happy birthday!!!! 30s are the best!
Thank you Sarah!
Happy Birthday, gorgeous you!
Thank you.
HAPPY EFFING BIRTHDAAAAAAAYYYYYY!
Dude, 30 was the BEST year of my life. May it be for you too xo
Thaaaaaank yoooou! I hope so. Thanks muchly. xo
Welcome to the dirty thirties!!! You’ll LOVE it!! X
I think I do already! Thanks B.
Happy birthday for tomorrow!
Thank you Merryl.
Have the BEST time EVER!
Thank you. I DID!