Charmed Life by Gretheline Bolandrina

The quote above is from the book, “The Big 40!” written by Joshua Albertson, Lockhart Steele and Jonathan Van Gieson. It’s tagline, “Are You Ready to Face . . .The Best Age Ever” seemed catchy enough for me. I didn’t read the book yet, I’ll have to add it on my to read list.

I turned 40 December 11, 2006 and I will be celebrating my 20th year as a nurse in March 2007. I am the least bit worried about being “over the hill”. I did the reflections part, what I perceive as accomplishments, loving relationships, the trials, my family and all my blessings. I looked ahead to the future. What I dream to do, to be, to try. I didn’t freak out knowing that our youngest, Max being 3 now, will only be 13 when I turn 50!

I had sort of an understated 40th birthday celebration in an overstated kind of way. I am lucky in that both my parents were present to celebrate with us. And since my actual birthday fell on a Monday, workday, we didn’t exactly plan on a weekend get-away. Joe and I sort of had half a weekend with a view. Compliments of our dear friends at Mohegan Sun (which bills itself as “a world at play”), Tita Juliet Dayrit-Dizon (Asian Marketing director) pulled strings and got us a suite. The moment we pulled up at the hotel, valets in bright red uniforms rushed to greet us. We checked in, no hassles. I heard rooms, on a weekend are almost always impossible to get! We then met up with Teryl Ann Santos (Asian Marketing Executive Host) at the Bamboo Forest. We celebrated in a world of our own! We had an excellent dinner, Asian cuisine topped off with the most decadent Crème Brule. I had my maximum two drinks, Kahlua sombrero. We escaped to a little bit of slot machine action, won some, lost some, strolled down the shopping areas and shared glimpses of holding hands, growing gray together. That was only the day before my birthday! Monday, December 11, we had heavenly breakfast at Fidela’s, (they had Tabasco for my eggs!) lunch included my favorite Chai tea latte. It was altogether, the way Joe puts it “my day, my way”. The evening we spent watching 007’s Casino Royale. With very few movie patrons, it almost seemed like a private screening. Still, we came home in time to kiss, hug and tuck the kids in bed. It was like a dream.

I received a luxurious Anne Klein leather jacket in the most perfect fit, magnificent Mikomoto pearls (hanadama), very chic, fashionable and my very first Coach bag (soho signature hobo, silver/dark brown) and a set of hull stoneware, brown glazed, full of character. Chenille lap blankets, perfume, desk supplies and chocolates, a framed portrait in charcoal. My sisters even arranged this nostalgic memory book with cards and greetings from friends far and near and even from my first work place, the Philippine General Hospital. All too overwhelming in a very charmed life way! Asked what my favorite gift was for my 40th birthday? It would have to be “the beautiful day” as arranged by my husband of 16 years, my parents, my children, my sisters and my close friends. They all hosted in military fashion, a covert birthday party/CD signing in conjunction with our daughter Lilly’s 5th birthday celebration. Over 100 guests packed in our home in a merry-jolly birthday-Christmas mix. You walk around rubbing elbows and sharing the holiday spirit, let alone the birthday happiness. There was Iskwelahang Pilipino’s Christmas carolers and Advanced Rondalla to which our first-born Jessica now belongs. Sweet music to one's ears, mellowing to the soul. Beats the sound of a million violins I would say! The highlight of the day was Joe’s failed attempt to sing me a song, with Stevie Ray Vaughn in front of all our guests. But our CD player failed us. I was bowled over by that. Just the thought of him rehearsing loud and proud, in the confines of our family van as he drives to and from work. Romantic, lovely and funny, such is my life. Following a buffet of Filipino food including Lechon (direct from New York, thanks to Auntie Bel and Tito Ralph). There were plenty of laughs to be had as I reminisced college life with my dear, dear friend Evangeline (from Maryland with her loving hubby Randy and their adorable sons Nathan and Jacob). We even unearthed our yearbook and looked at hairstyles gone wild. Joe still ended up serenading me with his version of “Pride and Joy”. My Mom made the best “pinakbet” and “kamote-top” salad. At 9:00 PM the party winded down and my sisters were very efficient at after care. Disposables disposed of, leftover tossed, favorites frozen. The next day, we were all in “Pasko” mood for IP’s Christmas party. Turning 40 wasn’t bad at all.

Still from the book (italicized), apparently, almost 90% of 40-year-olds are in debt. OK, I’m normal, I guess. At 40, Lucille Ball’s television career was just beginning. My Dad just completed negotiations with a Filipino-American newspaper franchise. My writing will finally get preferential treatment! From here on, I will not only be known as a writer’s daughter but a step up. A publisher’s daughter, I like the sound of that! The book goes on, chances are you own a home (71%), well, almost; if we don’t count the bank; you feel you’re in good or excellent health (87%), no major surgeries here and I do try to run, ask Jesi; and you are happy (51%) “Ditto”. About 91% of women and 88% of men have been married, OK, I’m mainstream and I’m still married to the same guy, 82% have children (hey, I have four, do I get brownie points?) and, best of all, you’re still gettin’ it on—1.8 times a week. I’d me mum about this last one, after all, I still am Filipina in more ways than one. I survived a landmark birthday and I’m bracing myself for the decade that follows. To all who touched my life, in one way or another, good or not so good, to all who sent their wishes (the old fashioned writing, via e-mail, e-cards) the wonderful gift-givers, I thank you from the bottom of my 40 year old heart. Might be 10% less muscle mass but still beats loud and strong and will forever be grateful for having been touched by you. Maraming Salamat.

Feel free to e-mail me reactions, comments and or suggestions for ideas to ponder. Contact me at Gretheline@aol.com or through Carousel Productions.

HOME