The Next Box on the Form

Last Updated on 10 October 2023 by Colette Burgess

Yesterday I turned 35.  I’m now officially closer to 40 than 30.  My carefree 20s are long behind me.
35 is the next box on the form . . . this suddenly seems much older.  I’m now grouped within the 35 – 44 demographic and that feels properly grown up.

So far my thirties have been happy but stressful.  My thirties have seen two new babies, a wedding, an enormous extension, and leaving the security of my full time, permanent job.  There has been a lot of change. A lot of money worries and a lot of pressure on Dave and I.  However I’m confident we’re turning a corner now and things should be a little easier!  Here’s hoping my mid thirties will be a little more relaxed!

In the last five years I’ve learned that you can live on less money than you think but it isn’t fun & it causes a lot of arguments.  Money doesn’t buy happiness but it does make things a little easier!  

I wasn’t worried turning 30, I had my baby, we’d bought a house and I knew I’d found my “one” – I was (and still am) where I wanted to be.

Turning 35 does feel like a next step.  The fine lines are starting to show, I’m definitely not looking as young as I did – though I have much love for the student at work the other week who told me he thought I was in my mid twenties!

We celebrated my birthday with friends at the weekend (I’ll write about this separately).  Yesterday Dave took the day off work and we went to Housing Units for breakfast (and bressert) which was lovely – Amy managed to be super cute the whole time and not complain too much about sitting in her highchair!  We spent the afternoon pottering around doing some shopping jobs, ordering our exciting new speakers (which I’m sure Dave will write about separately) and attending Parent’s Evening for Ben and Chloe.  Both got glowing reports which was about the best birthday present I could have wished for.  That said I do love my gorgeous new bracelet from Dave and the kids!

I’ve got money and vouchers to spend which I’m excited about and my sister also bought me a gorgeous navy stripe umbrella which I’ve been swooning over for a while! I’m almost excited for the rain!

I’m going to leave you with Ben’s message in my birthday card . . .

Author

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  • Colette Burgess

    Colette Burgess is an experienced primary school teacher and has lived in Manchester for most of her adult life. She is married to Dave and they have three children aged 10, 12, and 14.
    Colette has been writing about days out and adventures in Manchester and beyond including day trips and short breaks in the UK and holidays abroad since 2012.
    Colette and her family love festivals, camping and generally being outside.

5 thoughts on “The Next Box on the Form”

  1. Ooooo bersert is a new concept but one that I think I will be trying 🙂 I'm in that demographic too but kicking and screaming about it x

    Reply
  2. It sounds like you had a wonderful Birthday. Love Ben's card and your bracelet plus all your kids look just like you in your baby pic, such a funny expression! BUT are you a secret ginger?!?!?!?!?! x

    Reply

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