"Fabulous 40"

I have not blogged for a bit because I keep waiting to have the time to sit down and write something "incredible". Haha! It probably won't happen. It's the holiday season, I work in retail, I have three kids, a husband/best friend, a home, friends and a dog.  Life is full!  So instead of getting it perfect, I'm making it real.  What a relief!

Last week I turned 40.  Wow. 40. I dreaded it all of my 39th year.  Not an over the top dread but enough that I wasn't really looking forward to my birthday.  Funny thing is, the day I turned 40, I embraced it totally. I felt proud to be my age and I felt like more of a woman.  I have already seen and been through a lot in this life of mine and I feel blessed to have learned many lessons. I have loved greatly and have been loved.

My birthday this year was a special experience.  On that day I was treated to lunch by my best friend of over 20 years, spent the afternoon on horseback with a treasured friend/cousin, ate my favorite pizza for dinner, spend the evening with my family, mom made a chocolate cake, hubby blessed me with thoughtful gifts. Facebook also makes having a birthday a fun experience.  Close to a hundred birthday wishes came my way! It was a good day.

A couple days later we had a big party! My husband stepped out of his comfort zone and planned a party for my special day.  I love him for that.  He did it because he loves me, what a guy!  We had friends and family there to share incredible food, enjoyed MANY laughs and built memories. It was a great night!

Last night my girlfriends and I had one last birthday celebration.  This year all my friends from high school have been turning 40.  We have made it a point to get together and celebrate with each other.  These are incredible women that I cherish! I was so shocked when I opened their gift to me and saw a Tiffany & Co. box sitting in the wrapping.  I started to cry.  Having a piece from Tiffany & Co. has been a dream of mine for a very long time.  My friends of 26 years made it happen. I was blessed by the love and the thought! We talked for hours, played a few games, drank some wine. It was "fabulous"!

So as I sit here this morning with my coffee and my thoughts, I feel blessed.  I am so thankful for the special people in my life who have showered  me with love.  They are what makes this life important.  They give it meaning.  Love.  I am surrounded by it.  What a gift! 

CHEERS to Fabulous 40!