A cousin just turned 30 yesterday. Yes that dreaded 30. And though we laughed and song and danced the whole night away... deep down, it was still a big deal. Especially for a 29 year old like me. I looked at my cousin, trying his best to fend the usual question. How does it feel to be 30? Why? What had changed in a few days or the past year even? Nothing really. But it seemed like the apt question to ask.

But thinking about it, I've come to realise it's never about a specific number. It's about all the experiences one has had in those 30 odd years of living. To put things in even more perspective, by 30 most of our parents were happily married with kids. Us. For many 30 year olds today, me included, 30 is no different than 26. We're still living the life. Carefree and with hardly any responsibility. So there are overgrown children living in with their old parents and no one even bats an eye. A 26 year old in the west wouldn't be caught dead living in his parent's house but out here it's a culture thing. Or higher property rates. Whichever works for you.

For me, I've decided to achieve a few landmarks around my 30th birthday. The biggest of them is to quit smoking. If i succeed call me to know how. The other is to do things i've never done before. (There's a lot in that list). And finally to marry the woman of my dreams and get started on a journey of a lifetime. That oughta do for a year.

30... here i come.