A weekend detached from reality seems to be just what the Doctor ordered. I am fighting the advent of middle age and sadly losing the battle. I find myself with those errant white hairs along the temple, sore, achy bones after a long day, and the need for more sleep. No longer can I go to nightclubs, party until daybreak, and still go to work by 9am. No sir, those days are gone. This being said, this past weekend was a milestone for yours truly. The BIG 4-0. I call it either the BIG 4-ohhhhhhhhh or the beginning of a new era... the Fuck It Forties.
Technically, the festivities started a week early with a trip to Sin City where I checked in to my room with a gift already waiting for me!!! My favorite alcohol, complete with sugar free mixer... and snacks for that dreaded morning after, all wrapped up in a cute pink bag! Finally the next night my favorite partner in crime arrived from Colorado. We shared a lot of laughs and caught up on all the latest news. I even got to play a new slot machine called "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and if you know anything about me at all, you will know anything to do with that movie, I'm all in. Unfortunately for my wallet, Ms. Hepburn, Paul and Cat weren't to generous. On the 3rd night we attended a club, appropriately named "Gold Diggers" where the patio was tinctured with Mary Jane in the air and the dance floor was so small a chihuahua would feel cramped. Alas, still a great night. Gold Diggers, indeed. I don't think we paid for a single drink in that club. Ahhh the power of a skirt and heels... at any age.
The rest of the week flew by at warp speed and before I knew it, the official big day arrived. My cousin treated for a fabulous meal of surf 'n turf at Flemings Gaslamp. The next day was lunch with Mommy Dearest and kids at Centifonti's Italian Cocina. Later that evening, my comrades arrived from The City of Angels. Unfortunately, they brought along a refrigerator sized behemoth named Terrance, much like bringing a wild animal out of his habitat.... Sir Terrance is not the most socially graceful fella'. Still, another night of complementary drinks ensued. So many people came out to celebrate with me! I was truly touched and found myself tearing up a time or two seeing all these people who cared enough about lil' ol' me to want the charm of my company and give up a Saturday night. Oh what a night that was... one for the record books.
Sunday brought on yet another family gathering, this time over ribs, pizza, and a mixture of Cajun food at BJ's Steakhouse and Brewery. Story swapping and more catching up on the latest over delicious plates was an exceptional way to round out the weekend. I also received my very first Tiffany & Co piece of jewelry. How thrilling it was to open that little blue box, beautifully wrapped with a white ribbon!!! Other fabulous prizes were gift cards to my favorite stores, books, French wall decals from my daughter and a gorgeous bouquet of long stemmed white roses from my son. Yes, my children know their mother well. Last but not least, the Dolce & Gabbana perfume I have been feening for since it was introduced. All things I would never have purchased for myself... But the absolute BEST gift of all was the presence of all those smiling faces and birthday hugs from the most important people in my life. I have said it before and I'll say it again... I am one blessed "young" lady.
