31 ABG

OK, so I am about to enter my 31st year. As far as I can tell, I didn't have a 30th-year crisis for two reasons. First, I was still in my 20s and second, I was too busy preparing for how I would cope with the year I would turn 30. (And just quietly, this 31st year stuff is just a bit hard to get your head around isn't it? I mean, who ever thinks of that until you have to say, "Oh I'm about to enter my 30th year" and then some smark aleck pipes up with, "Well actually it is really your 31st year because blah blah blah..." This is about the time my eyes glaze over. I mean, what a genius!)

As adulthood approaches however (that's when you turn 31) I figured I had to get in one last crazy scheme in which I would be broke, lonely and seriously stressed out while at the exact same time having the time of my life.

It's not quite New York all over again, because I'm older, wiser and......

............I can't actually think of another reason why it's not that mad. At least I had an internship set up when I went to New York. And if anyone cares to remember, I planned to be in New York for three months too, but even after a year I didn't fully understand the language. What hope is there for me in sunny Barcelona? Oh dear.

Anyway, as you may imagine, I have plans galore for Barcelona. But before I get there, I have an exciting month to spend in Sydney. My very first niece was born yesterday and I am just dying to get home to give her a little hug. She's only 2.8 kilos so the hug will have to be little for now.

Here is the place I'll keep you abreast of my adventures, dramas, crises and whatever else my mood moves me to report. I hope it won't be too boring.

(31 ABG - that's 31 After the Birth of Gabrielle for those of you trying to decipher the entry title. For those who got it, well done. Pat yourself on the back for me.)