Turning 40

I have always wondered what it would be like to get old...August 17th I found out. Obviously, I have some mental reservations about turning 40. I feel about the same as I did before, I just don't like the thought of it. I was spoiled this year. My birthday celebration lasted for a week instead of the typical 24 hours. I figure that's OK...these are traumatic times.

The morning of my birthday as I left for the gym, I found a special surprise sitting on my doorstep. A lawn gnome named Mr. Winklebottom, and his mushroom. These guys were gifts from my friend Monica, who had been waiting for many years for me to turn 40 so she could buy me some yard art. I am very fond of Mr. Winklebottom; he and his mushroom have a new home in my bathroom window. My dinosaur that my nephew Mikey gave me also keeps them company. He handed me the dinosaur when I arrived at my surprise party and said, "This is for you, since you are as old as a dinosaur." He is very smart, but I still wonder if that was a comparison he came up with or if his daddy helped him with that one.

Todd's mom, Susan, was here visiting. I was glad she could be with us because I don't remember being able to spend my birthday with her since I moved away from Georgia. (That was a very long time ago.) Todd had to work but Susan and the kids kept me company and made it a nice day.

When Todd came home, I opened my presents. Looks can be deceiving and a lot of those pretty packages were filled with junk that they bought from the thrift store. I did get some "real" presents and my last one was awesome. I got a Canon rebel camera, it was a huge surprise and I am really happy about it. I got a lot of nice gifts from my family and friends this year. I was extremely spoiled and I am very grateful for the cards, gifts and kindness.

I decided to vary from tradition and got a coconut cream pie instead of my usual lemon. It was delicious, but the top layer was practically melted off because they insisted on lighting 40 candles a top my pie. It was a blazing inferno. It was a great day and turning 40 was made a lot easier by wonderful family and friends.