There's no more getting away from it - with the rising of the sun yesterday morning I entered a new chapter in my life, one where I no longer tick the 24-29 box on application forms and surveys. The big 3-0 has arrived.

And there was no denying it - a nice quiet meal out with friends saw the table scattered with birthday confetti, so much so that I found myself almost choking on a glittery number 30 more than once during the evening.

But it was one of the youngest members of my family who finally made me accept my age proudly. My three-year old niece sent me a badge simply stating 'I'm 30' and ordered me to wear it all day - or else. There's no way I was risking the 'or else'!

Today I'm a bit achey and more tired than usual, I can't decide if these symptoms are due to the over indulgence of the weekend or if I'm feeling my age already.