Archive for the ‘Celebrating’ Category
Saturday, July 5th, 2008 |
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Are You Turning 40 and Looking for a Profound Life Change?
Have a great day!
Well, the secret is out! I am turning the big Four-Oh this summer. My goal is to have 40 random acts of kindness done over the month of July…one for every year I’ve been alive! So, think about what you can do to make a difference in someone’s life and then do it!!
There are lots of random acts of kindness ideas out there and, in case you’re not sure where to start, here’s a website you can visit for ideas! http://www.actsofkindness.org/
More from Jenn
Posted in Celebrating, Gratitude | No Comments »
Friday, June 13th, 2008 |
Well yesterday, I officially turned 40 years old. Where most people who turn 40 react in differently, I am taking a different approach, for me. As many of my readers already know, I have had a plethora of medical problems in the middle and late part of my 30’s, so turning 40 was in mind a perhaps a chance to start anew. We’ll see how things play out this. I know I am facing two surgeries, one to replace to defibrillator and the other to a baclofen pump in to help me with my muscle spasticity.
I have a few other challenges and issues that need to be addressed in the coming months, mostly related to my cognitive impairments that I have been facing. I have been putting off (read, stalling) on calling the doctors to find out how I go about addressing some of issues that came up during my neuropsych testing in January. I need to address these but I want to get the pump surgery done first before I subject myself to more pain and suffering.
I am mostly trying to keep a positive outlook, at least on the outside, I still have my moments where I feel lousy, tired, and have general fatigue, but I persevere and plod through.
As for the fortieth festivities. Tuesday, my twin brother and I, along with our wives went to the Phillies/Reds game. We had great seats, and were surprised (well I sort of expected it), that the wives had arranged for us to have happy birthday sung to us, and our names were posted on the scoreboard. We also got a couple of nice hat’s, but most of all saw a great baseball game, the Phillies won 3-2.
The picture shown above, was what my office looked like when I walked in yesterday, compliments of my co-workers. I even had a set of beads that I had to wear all day that accentuated the fact that I did turn 40. We had a cake, and I got some funny cards, which are on display on my top shelf.
When I got home, I played some PlayStation with the boy until the Mrs got home, and I then proceeded to open my presents (two swimsuits, and four Phillies tickets), and birthday cards, then we had a nice simple dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs. Then the big treat, Carvel ice cream cake.
After that spent a nice relaxing evening at home, although I went to bed early as I was up late the night before…or I am getting old.
So far being 40 isn’t too bad, let’s see how the next ten years goes.
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Friday, June 13th, 2008 |
On turning 40 (997)
Honestly, when I woke up this morning, I expected every bone in my body to creak from advanced arthritis or bone degeneration.
That didn’t happen.
Maybe a sudden and violent growth of hair from my ears and nose. Luxuriously gray no less.
Nope, that didn’t happen either.
Or even a complete lack of control of my bodily functions.
As much as I know this disappoints you, it didn’t happen either.
Every time I have a birthday I don’t normally expect anything to happen or to feel different. I turned 30 and worked myself into quite a hyper spaz attack over that. I got pretty drunk in Vegas on my 21st (and won $120 playing Blackjack). But otherwise, nothing. This one included.
I feel just as good today as I did yesterday. Actually, maybe better since I’m not as sore today as I was yesterday. Decided to skip the gym today in celebration, but I’ll be going again tomorrow for good measure.
So, I guess, it’s not really that big of a deal.
Thanks to everyone that wished me happy. While it wasn’t the greatest (that won’t be a story for another time), it definitely didn’t suck.
What’s next?
More From Wind the Frog.net
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Friday, April 11th, 2008 |
I just came across this story about the incredible way one man decided to mark his 40th birthday and I thought you might be interested.
James Spring, a man in San Diego, read about a little girl who had been kidnapped by her parents. The parents, who were wanted for murder, did not have custody of the child and had fled with her to Mexico. Mr. Spring decided to go to Mexico and save the little girl (and her baby sister) as a way of celebrating his 40th birthday!
Here’s a link to the story in The Santa Cruz Sentinel: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_8851661
All the best,
Andi
http://thethinksithink.blogspot.com
http://listsgalore.blogspot.com
Posted in Celebrating, Fear | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 |
Well, I’ll be turning 40 in a few months, and I cannot wait! I’ve had several people ask me if I am freaking out about turning the big 4-0, and I’ve given them a resounding, “Hell no!” My life is going swimmingly and promises to just get better in the near future. Besides that, I have a kickass party planned, so how could I be bummed?
Ever since adopting and actually following my “letting go” attitude, everything has been so peaceful and easy for me. Roxy (my vintage ‘63 convertible Mercury Comet) is getting fixed up, my book and stand up comedy show are flowing, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’m enjoying being back at school after a year and a half leave.
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to sub in several grade levels (3 last week alone), and I have been reminded of why I went into teaching in the first place. I simply love working with kids. I love captivating them by using an accent when I read a story and having them believe I actually am that character. I love having them suddenly get what I’m teaching because out of nowhere I try a different approach that happens to make sense to them. And I love having random parents come up to me on campus and ask, “Are you Mrs. Aubert? You were in my son’s second grade class last week, and he loved you!”
On Wednesday, I overheard a first grader telling her friend as I walked to the staffroom at recess, “Ooh! Lucky! You have the best substitute today!”
I just smiled and thought, “Oh my God. This is why I went into teaching.”
Trust me. I’m completely surprised by this revelation. And don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely still following my writing and performance dreams with a vengeance. But I am finding it quite easy to marry that passion with my passion for working with kids.
When I started my charity to keep the arts alive in schools, I had no idea that would mean me fighting to create a position in middle school drama to utilize my own charity. I figured I would be running the charity and doling out money to schools that needed it. But I now know that I want to be one of the drama departments asking for contributions!
I’m always looking for signs that validate where I am on my life’s journey. Yesterday one showed up that couldn’t have been more obvious if it were flashing neon and had an arrow pointing right to me.
I was thinking about next year and what I’d be doing. I had seen the superintendent of our schools at a little concert the kids gave on Thursday night and asked him if he’d received my intent to return letter. He had, but said he couldn’t tell me anything about a specific position until later on. No worries. I just wanted to make sure the letter had been received. But it got me thinking about my credential and wondering when I needed to renew it.
Um…it expires in October of this year.
I thought to myself, “Oh boy. This may be a stumbling block,” because you have to have 150 hours to renew your credential. Now, before I took my leave I made sure I had more than enough hours to renew, but it’s still a bit of a pain to get it all documented and signed off. I figured if somehow it were really difficult to renew, maybe the Universe would be telling me something.
Anyhow, I called a girlfriend of mine just to chat and mentioned that I needed to renew my credential. She said she had to renew hers this year, too.
But she went on to say that the state has updated the way you go about that, and it was all done online now. I was thrilled!
When we hung up, I immediately got on line, punched in my social security number and birthday, and voila! There I was. Within moments I had verified all my info, paid the fee, and had a confirmation number in my hot little hands.
Professional clear credential officially renewed.
Definitely a sign that I am on the right path.
Another sign? Right after that I opened my book Word document and cranked out several pages of writing. It just flowed right out of my brain and into the keyboard. It was easy.
I think that’s the key. When things come easily, they are definitely meant to be. If it’s a struggle and you’ve done everything you can to make it happen, you need to let go so it can unfold organically instead of being forced. It’s taken me a long time to figure that out. But when I just let go, it always works out in the way that it should, whether I understand it or not.
Back to the birthday. I had been trying to book this particular venue for months now, and the woman just wouldn’t get back to me. Finally I called the lead singer of the band I hired and asked if he had any suggestions. He gave me the name of a place nearby, and the hubby, the kids and I checked it out. I called the number, spoke with the girl in charge, and had the place booked within minutes.
Easy.
So, am I worried about turning 40 in a few months? Not a chance.
Anytime I can celebrate a milestone with an 80s themed party complete with “Pretty in Pink” Cosmos and “Long Duk Dong” Lemondrops…I know I’m on the right path!
Written by Mel Aubert - find out more about Mel at www.melaubert.com
Posted in Celebrating, Getting Better with Time | No Comments »
Saturday, February 9th, 2008 |
by Colette French
So many people get discouraged as they begin to get older. However, it is very important for us to learn to grow old gracefully because at each season in our lives, we have something new and wonderful to discover about ourselves and to offer others. Turning 40 for many is really hard, but there are some fun things you can do to make turning 40 pretty exciting.
Step One
Plan to do something on your 40th birthday that you’ve never done before, but have always wanted to do. Make sure it’s something you’ll always remember.
Step Two
Start a fun and exciting new hobby. If you’ve always wanted to play tennis or play the piano but never got around to it then go for it. for it. You are never too old to keep learning and try something new.
Step Three
Learn a new exotic dance from a different culture. You will have great fun dancing while exercising at the same time.
Step Four
Get dressed up and go to an Opera or a play that interest you.
Step Five
Learn a new exotic language and go visit the country of the new language you’ve learned.
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Sunday, January 13th, 2008 |
Back to turning 40… it’s approaching fast.
So far, I’ve done okay in my prep for 40. I’m getting good hair cuts, am free of back pain, am in Yoga instructor training (that will probably take until I’m 50) and am still taking flute (must practice). A few things I could still do better. Don’t really feel like getting into all that now. Oh yeah, and I’m still not re-addicted to caffeine.
So that’s pretty good. I’d give myself about a 75%.
The fact that I haven’t quit the things I’ve started is probably significant. I am SO GOOD at starting stuff and SO BAD at keeping it up. Even just to be somewhat consistent for a year is good news for me. It’s why I don’t dare quit blogging. There are so few things I’ve done consistently for this long.
I honestly don’t know what I’d like to do to mark the day of my birthday.
No idea at all.
Read more at Michelle’s Blog
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Saturday, January 12th, 2008 |
by Mandy Weckford
If you are going to be turning 40 in the next couple of months, you need to start planning - or making sure someone else is planning - the festivities. Your fortieth birthday is an occasion to be celebrated. You don’t have to have a party, if you don’t want to, but you do have to do something special. Over the past few years, what seems like hundreds of my friends and relations have hit 40, so, if you’re not sure what you’d like to do, here are a few suggestions.
In my family, we all love singing and one of the best parties we’ve ever been to was my brother Dan’s 40th, where we sang karaoke all night. He’s got loads of disks for his games console, which plugs into the back of the television and makes a home karaoke machine. The game keeps the score and is often quite rude but that didn’t stop us singing our hearts out into the small hours of the morning!
My cousin Alex and his wife spent his 40th birthday fulfilling his life’s ambition of driving Route 66 (the way to Amarillo). They had a fabulous holiday, full of adventures, and are still talking about it two years later.
It can also be great fun to have a traditional party at home and play lots of traditional party games. I acted as Mistress of Ceremonies for my friend Emma’s 40th and I got everyone doing things most of us hadn’t done since we were children. We played pass the parcel, musical statues, blind man’s buff, sardines, charades… We had all known each other for years and have no qualms about behaving like five year olds, and the evening was a riot!
About three months before she turned 40, my friend Karen discovered that her partner was seeing another woman. Her confidence took a bit of a knock and, to build it back up, we arranged a lingerie party for her birthday. We all needed a bit to drink before really got into the spirit of trying on sexy underwear but then we had a great laugh!
The idea of giving a dinner party for twenty guests fills me with horror but my friend Rob did this in the ideal way: he hired a professional chef to come to his house and cook for us, in front of us. Rob is a real foodie and having all this sumptuous fare rustled up in his very own kitchen was a dream come true.
A magician is an excellent addition to any party. At my friend Jason’s 40th birthday party, the magician took my ring and made it vanish. A second later, without him having moved at all, it appeared tied on to his shoelace!
Before long I’m going to be forty myself and I’ve decided to go to New York, with my husband, for my birthday. I have never been there but I just get the feeling I want to be in the Big Apple to greet the big four oh. I want to see all the sights, check out the art galleries, watch a show on Broadway, do some shopping and soak up some of the energy of that great city. This seems a pretty cool start to my fifth decade.
About the Author:
To find further ideas and advice about 40th birthday parties, celebrations & gifts, have a look at our 40th birthday website.
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 |
In a couple weeks (less than, actually), I turn forty. This fact always fails to impress those who have passed forty, and particularly those on the golden side of 50, 60, 70, etc. (my dad, 77, is especially insufferable). But let us not underestimate what it means for those who have already begun to endure the Hair Rebellion*: we ain’t no spring chickens. Youth is spent. Under no circumstances can I be confused for a young hipster. The last time I was carded is some years in my rear-view mirror. (Good news: the age at which I have to produce ID to get a senior discount is yet years in my future!)
I realized that my youth was gone a few years back when I realized that I had, to the eyes of the undergrads at the college where I work, turned into a specter. I became not quite invisible–they still dodge around me when we’re on a collision course–but something like a bush or a trash bin. Turning forty merely puts the period to the end of the sentence.
However, I grieve none of this. In compensation for my lack of youth, I have the gathering wisdom of age. Example: 21-year-olds get drunk on crappy beer. But at the ripe old age of 40, I know better. I plan to christen my ruby anniversary with something a little more rare. But what? It’s not a choice I should or will take lightly. I imagine it should have some or all these characteristics: rare, aged, strong, intense.
So, what do you suggest? Got any leads?
Beervana
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Saturday, December 29th, 2007 |
Well it’s here - the Year of 40. Today is the day it begins - my birthday. I have actually been looking forward to it to be honest. My little joke is that turning 40 beats the heck out of the alternative of not turning 40!It has come with little fanfare. I got cards from my parents and grandparents. My couple of close friends and I are going to dinner tonight and out for drinks which I am looking forward to. But I am sitting here lounging and waiting for that event. My son has been away for Christmas so I had Christmas with him this morning and we went to breakfast. They sang to me at IHOP and yes I had ice cream with my breakfast… hey I’m entitled right?!?!? After all I am 40 you know.
The Year of 39 was a good one for me. Of course there were ups and downs. The downs are I lost a great-grandmother at 102 (but she lived a good, long, healthy life) and had to put my dog to sleep (which broke my heart). But the ups are that I lost 70 pounds and have found a confidence that I didn’t know existed; I got a promotion at work and love my job; I continue to pursue my masters degree; I got a new puppy; and last, but certainly not least, I continue to see my teenage son grow into a caring, wonderful human being.
The Year of 39 was truly a blessing. And I can’t wait to see what the Year of 40 holds!
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Saturday, December 1st, 2007 |
On Turning Forty
The unthinkable has happened: the dawn of my fortieth birthday.
I’ve tried ignoring it, pooh-poohing it, working through the psychology of it, and even re-naming it (a fellow author taught me to call each subsequent birthday the “Nth” anniversary of my thirtieth birthday). But it just won’t go away.
So, in the spirit of having joyfully stayed at home with my children all these years, and of looking ahead at what is supposed to be my prime (assuming I have anything left), I thought I’d make a list of all the “good” things about turning forty. You are welcomed to laugh at me, commmiserate with me, or save the list for your own fortieth birthday when it rolls around (if it hasn’t already).
Turning forty means:
1. I am officially too old to be labeled a “twit.” I was definitely a “twit” when I married Eric. I spent years moving in and out of twitdom as I matured (too slowly). There might be other labels that now apply, but “twit” doesn’t work anymore.
2. I’m that much closer to not having to buy tampons anymore.
3. The stretchmarks of childbirth no longer phase me. Nobody expects a forty-year-old woman to worry about tiny cosmetic details like stretchmarks. Crow’s feet, yes, but not stretchmarks.
4. I will no longer wake up in the morning and realize that I’ve got poop under my fingernails from a middle-of-the-night diaper change.
5. Nobody will assume that it’s my child who is screaming at the top of his lungs in the toddler class at church. I will appear far too mature and “together” to have a screaming child of that particular size and age. It’s far more likely that it’s my not-quite-teenaged child who has climbed one of the trees in the parking lot and is frightening the old ladies.
6. I can smirk at all the eighties fashions that have reappeared on the store racks, in full confidence of knowing that, twenty years after the fact, I would not be caught dead wearing any of them.
7. I can go to the mall without a stroller, diaper bag, box of wipies, band-aide supply, sippy cup, or Baby Gap clothing size card.
8. I no longer have to worry about young men in grocery stores, gas stations, and the post office mistaking my friendliness for flirtation. They will automatically assume that I’m old enough to be their mother and won’t give me another thought.
9. I can give advice to young mommies and they will actually listen to me because, after all, “She’s over forty and must know SOMETHING about raising kids.”
10. I have made peace with my boobs. If they want to rest somewhere around the level of my navel, so be it. They’ve worked hard nourishing four babies, and I’m too old to obsess about them anymore. Besides, that’s what push-up bras are for.
11. I no longer have to peel grapes, slice raisins, de-crust bread, crush peas, or cut peanut butter sandwiches into microscopic squares. In fact, I can pretty much throw food at my children and they will catch it and eat it. (Okay, not really — but almost.)
12. My vocabulary no longer consists of ridiculous sentences like, “We don’t go pee-pee in the tub,” “Let Mommy wipe that boogie off of your face,” and “Mommy is going to bite those piggies, yes she is! She’s going to bite those stinky, little piggies and eat them for lunch! Ready? Here she goes! Here goes Mommy biting your stinky piggies!”
13. I no longer have any hang-ups about sex. Seriously. There’s something about the “been there, done that” factor that renders it all rather irreverent and matter-of-fact. Well, most of the time, anyway.
14. People have stopped asking me if I’m going to have any more children. And I’ve stopped crying about having to say, “No.”
15. My husband still calls me “beautiful,” and now I know that it has a far deeper meaning than simply what’s on the surface.
16. I haven’t had a real zit in over six months. For someone who’s struggled with her complexion since the age of thirteen, that is quite remarkable.
17. I don’t step on Legos in the middle of the night anymore. There’s nothing that brings me one step away from sudden murder as quickly as stepping on a Lego. Of course, I haven’t bought any Legos for my younger son. I may never buy any Legos for him. I’ve done my time with the Legos.
18. When I go out alone, nobody knows whether or not I have any children. I don’t have that deer-in-the-headlights, spit-up soaked, where-did-my-IQ-go look about me anymore. I don’t have watermelon breasts that scream to the world, “This woman has to rush home and nurse her baby before she explodes before your eyes,” either.
19. I haven’t engaged in a frantic, pre-bedtime search for a three-inch strip of “blankie” for ages. In fact, all four of my children are actually capable of tucking themselves in. I kiss them good-night because I want to, not because it’s part of an elaborate, nightly ritual.
20. I am officially entering the “prime of my life,” which many say falls between the ages of forty and seventy. That makes me a mere babe in the grand scheme of things! I am married to the Love of my Life, I have four of the neatest kids I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I weigh less now than I did before I was pregnant with my first child. When all is said and done, I’ve come to this place in my life with a smile on my face and a song in my heart (the gray hairs on my head have been conveniently hidden with coloring and highlights).
If I can just manage to get carded when Eric takes me out for my birthday dinner, I’ll be set for life. The last time I was carded, I was thirty-six. Surely four years haven’t made THAT much of a difference, have they? (Please don’t answer that.)
I feel much better now. Forty, here I come!
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Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 |
Forty. It seemed so far away when I was starting in this business. Now I look around the newsroom and my “almost-40″ status means I am one of the older people roaming around the cubicles and news set. The grandiose event is still 4 months away but as it gets closer, I get more philosophical.
Let me be perfectly clear. I am not dreading it. At the same time, it’s not like I am looking forward to it. I have decided to embrace this change over into a new decade with zest, happiness and a sense of accomplishment. I look around my home and see a wonderful husband of 11 years and two funny, vibrant and loveable kids. I also have my dream job and hours that make it possible for me to be there for my kids, too. What more could an “almost-40″ year old lady want?
I have toyed around with many ideas and plans for my 40th birthday. No party. Yes, a big party. A night on the town. A night with the family. An exotic trip. A quiet night up North. What to do? I have finally decided I am not going to turn 40 quietly. I want to enjoy it wholeheartedly and live it up. Not sure about the specifics yet but it will involve several fun events through 2008. (I am going to make the celebration last. You only turn 40 once.)
Luckily, I have a fun family and some great friends to make this all possible. Four months is going to go by fast. Over those months, I am going to enjoy still being in my thirties. It still seems so unreal. I don’t feel like I am a different person but I guess this means I am truly a grown-up. Cheers to all of you who have crossed the same threshold with a smile on your face and your chin up as you look ahead.
The way I see it. We are wiser now. Stronger in some ways and definitely not as concerned about what others think of us. Turning 40 may not be so bad. The alternative of not turning 40 would be much worse.
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Monday, September 24th, 2007 |
Today is my birthday! I thought turning 40 would be hard form me but it happened all by itself! I still feel young enough to embrace some of the dreams I have not yet fulfilled and I am now at an age that I can be respected for my own wisdom that I have gained.
I had hoped to be at the top of my game at this age but in the past recent years Divorce, depression from the divorce and a series of misfortunes all in concert to the fact that I was not as sharp and involved in my own life for the past few years because of the divorce.
Today (September 24, 2007) I am 40! My divorce has been finalized for more than 6 months now, my awakening has been embraced and the new day begins with ME!
I accept 40 with all of its stigma and I will move on to getting back on tract and re-connect with my once amazing life!
This is my way of saying out loud!
Posted in Celebrating, New Outlook | No Comments »
Sunday, August 19th, 2007 |
TV Land is seeking contestants who plan to celebrate their 40th birthday in 2007. “What will you do to celebrate this monumental occasion? What’s your birthday wish? If you are turning 40 in 2007, please send your photo, contact info, where & when you are turning 40, and a bit about yourself to theblockagency@yahoo.com. Let them know if you have already planned a party or event for your 40th & when the date is. They will document the experience and capture these memories forever on TV!”
Official website is at http://www.tvland.com/originals/casting/
Posted in Celebrating | 1 Comment »
Thursday, August 9th, 2007 |
By Anita Quigley
August 08, 2007 12:00am
THERE is an episode in Sex and the City where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie attends a baby shower at a girlfriend’s place.
The new mother insists shoes be left at the door so not to damage the floors, but when it comes time to go home, Carrie’s new $485 pair of Manolo Blahniks have been stolen.
Her host offers to pay for them, then baulks at the cost, accusing Carrie of being utterly self-indulgent by spending nearly $500 on a pair of shoes for herself.
This leads Carrie to do a little mental arithmetic and conclude: “Over the years I have bought Kyra (her host) an engagement gift, a wedding gift, then there was the trip to Maine for the wedding - three baby gifts . . . in total I have spent over $2300 celebrating her life choices and she is shaming me for spending a lousy 485 bucks on myself.”
Another character Charlotte counters: “Yes, but those were gifts. And if you got married or had a baby, she would spend the same on you”.
Carrie responds: “And if I don’t ever get married or have a baby, what? If you are single, after graduation, there isn’t one occasion where people celebrate you.”
Well, there is now. It’s called the 40th and like some weddings, no expense is spared.
Turning 40 is the new choice party for single women and I say three cheers to that. Mind you, by having a fabulous 40th doesn’t mean you are saying “I’m a spinster”. And nor does it rule out a wedding and even christenings in the future.
All it does say is that after 40 a wedding may not be as big a blow-out as when you are younger.
I use the Sex and the City analogy because it’s all about how we perceive singles, couples, and parents - and the gifts we tend to lavish on the latter two.
I have attended a couple of fab 40ths for single girlfriends and am jetting off to Hong Kong for another in the New Year.
One was a sit-down catered meal for 60 at a harbourside restaurant paid for by the birthday girl with the help of her parents. There were a couple of really touching speeches from family and friends.
Another had a catered lunch, followed by an international party trail for 15 at a restaurant in Venice a few months later on her actual birthday. Guests came from all over Europe and even some from Australia to help her celebrate.
But when I recently mentioned the upcoming Hong Kong party, a pair of very well-shaped eyebrows were raised by a married friend, who hinted at the extravagance.
Yet, as I pointed out, plenty of people are asked to travel for weddings so why not a single friend’s 40th?
Both are equally valid celebrations, although not everyone seems to agree.
A 30-something former flatmate estimates spending close to $8000 on bridesmaids dresses, shoes, flowers and gifts over the years.
She says it is nice to have been asked so many times (five at last count), but does wonder if she is single at 40 and proposes a big bash back in her home town of Perth, her friends will be just as generous as she has been.
It’s not about evening the score, it’s about everyone deserving one great party - a celebration where the focus is just on them. And, unlike you’re 18th or 21st birthdays, fortieths are a great way to also celebrate your achievements.
For my mother’s generation, often the only emblem of female success was a husband and children. To be 40, single and wealthy enough to throw yourself a big bash was unheard of and to be pitied rather than celebrated.
Most little girls are indoctrinated with the fairytale that there will only be one big day in their life where they will be the centre of attention - their wedding day.
But as we all know, little girls grow up and for one reason or another realise it’s OK to stop believing in other people’s fairytales and make their own.
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Saturday, August 4th, 2007 |
By Lisa Higginson
 |
| Super triathlete Paul Clavey |
TURNING 40 has proved the toughest of challenges for a Kendal man who has completed a torturous triathlon in celebration of his birthday.
Determined to make his milestone memorable and raise money for charity, Paul Clavey, of Castle Garth, embarked upon a 43-hour adventure that saw him swim, cycle and run across miles of the Lake District’s forbidding terrain.
After representing Great Britain in two triathlons in Mexico and New Zealand in 2003/04 and completing the first UK Ironman challenge in Dorset two years ago, Mr Clavey, a woodland officer for United Utilities, decided it was time for a personal challenge.
Mr Clavey began the epic Lakeland Triathlon Challenge with a five-and-a-half mile swim through a choppy Coniston Water,then he cycled the legendary 114-mile Fred Whitton round taking in all of the Lake District’s major road passes. Finally, he embarked on the Bob Graham running round of 42 peaks in 24 hours.
“The idea started as a rather less than conventional way of celebrating my 40th birthday year with the aim of gathering as many friends and family as possible to help. And to make all the pain and suffering worthwhile, I wanted to raise as much money as I could for my chosen charity, Water Aid,” said an exhausted by totally fulfilled Mr Clavey afterwards.
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Thursday, July 19th, 2007 |
Since Paris is 7 hours ahead of local Milwaukee time, I realized that I just lost 7 hours off my 39th year. Nothing like jumping into the big FOUR-OH a litle early. Really, I don’t mind.
So. Happy Birthday to me! Or, as the Parisians say, Joyeux Anniversaire! It is 12:001 a.m. local time in Paris and that means it’s my birthday.
It has been a fantastic week this side of the Altantic. Even the near-missed connection in Heathrow, the taxi collision on the way to the hotel and the 40 hours lost luggage didn’t dampen the euphoria of a first-class upgrade on British Airways, a room with a view overlooking the Rue de Rivoli athe Eiffel Tower and the complimentary bottle of wine from the hotel and the gorgeous flowers from WW delivered to my room. And the days of endless walking, beautiful sites, lucious foods, divine wine and the euphoria of being in this city at this moment in my life leaves me nearly speechless.
But a few things for you to ponder…why is it that in Paris that a double espresso is cheaper at a Starbucks than at a cafe? And why don’t we have sex shops next to the SBUX in the states? How come Parisians are so polite…yet the image of them we have stateside borders on snobbish? Why didn’t I take French in high school? And how come macaroons don’t make me dump? (Thank god for small favors.)
So back to my birthday plans. Petit de jeneur at Cafe Marly at the Louvre, then a tour through the museum. Late afternoon at l’Orangerie with a viewing of Monet’s Water Lilies. Dinner at Gourmand. Fireworks from my hotel room window. I couldn’t ask for anything more. If this is what 0 is like, I can only imagine how great 50 will be!
Bon Jour!
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Sunday, July 15th, 2007 |
No, it’s not my birthday . . . yet. According to the countdown clock on my sidebar, it’s less than 2 months away. But I have been thinking about it a lot.
I’ve never been this apprehensive about a birthday. 25 was a little thought provoking, mainly because I was still in school, was losing my health coverage through my dad’s employer (full-time students can stay on a parent’s insurance until 25; my parents ended up paying my COBRA premiums for the next 1.5 years till I got a full-time job), and my mom had cancer. But it wasn’t so bad. I didn’t mind being 25.
I embraced 30. I was in a good place then. I had gotten the cojones to leave a job I abhorred, owned my own home, had been celibate (by choice) for a year, and was content to live my life on my terms. I didn’t care if I ever got married, I was doing work I could live with, I was financially independent, and therapy had gotten me to accept myself the way I was, flaws and all. The only bad thing was that I had put on a lot of weight during my period of celibacy. (When no one sees you nekkid, you stop caring what you look like nekkid.) I was pretty darn happy 10 years ago.
But now that 40 is bearing down on me like a Mack truck, I am dreading it. Mid-life crisis? Perhaps. Some days I wonder how the hell I ended up where I am today.
I was a wild 20-something, the one who bemuses the staid neighbors with her crazy lifestyle. Now I’m the stable, nice neighbor who waters your plants and feeds your cat when you go on vacation. I watch your kids while you go to the dentist, asking only that you return the favor one day. I have keys for several neighbors homes, because I’m considered that trustworthy. It’s so sad.
I never was one of those women who dreams of their wedding day; I was okay with never getting married. I never needed a man to define who I am. But here I am, married 8 years, and getting less agitated all the time when people call me Mrs. Married Name (my name is Ms. Bunny Maidenname Marriedname - no hyphen, thank you).
I never wanted children. I didn’t really like kids and I have no patience for them. But here I am, with two beautiful children whom I adore. Still no patience, however. And I get sick to death of the presumed sainthood that people bestow on me because I have a special-needs child. I just love him and raise him like you do your kids - it doesn’t make me special, just a mom. Geez. I still don’t like to share my toys with my kids - maybe in some ways I’m emotionally just a kid myself.
I thought I would NEVER be a housewife or stay-at-home mom. I mean, can you imagine? Housework is drudgery and to be financially dependent on a man is ridiculous!! Yet, here I am, a stay-at-home mom and totally financially dependent on my man (though if we split up, I’d go back to practicing law and be ok, I think).
I always thought that people who cheat on their spouse were complete and utter morons and deserved all the bad things that would happen because of it. I never thought I would cheat on my spouse - what kind of whore does that? Yet, here I am.
So, yes, I guess this is a bit of a mid-life crisis for me. I’m trying to embrace 40 - that’s why I did the countdown clock (idea totally stolen from Polt!). It’s not for y’all - it’s a reminder to myself that it’s coming, whether I like it or not, and to sit back and enjoy the ride. Maybe I just need a really cool way to celebrate:
I don’t want a party. My BFF did a big party for her 40th and that was great. But it’s not me. I even hated my own wedding reception. I used to love a good party, but not so much anymore. I know, I’m a party pooper.
I’m thinking a trip. Perhaps Chicago for a weekend, with a side trip back to the town where I was born. (Muscatine, IA, if you care. Small town near the Quad Cities.) But if I go “home,” I’ll probably be expected to stop and see the relatives (in Atalissa, West Liberty, Muscatine, Iowa City, and Coralville - bet you’ve only heard of one those before today) and that I don’t care for so much. All they ever say is how I look EXACTLY like my mother. I HATE hearing that - my nose is totally different; otherwise, okay, I do look at lot like her. But I am taller; she’s only 4′11″. And her hair was totally gray by my age. I got dad’s hair, thank God.
I might also enjoy an amusement park trip. Early September is usually pretty warm yet and the parks are open weekends. If I do this, it would probably be Cedar Point. Six Flags in Gurnee, IL is not as far, but it’s not near as cool either. I’m a roller coaster fiend. I’ll skip those things that just drop straight down, though. Never liked those, even before that poor girl got her feet lopped off.
If I do take a trip, I need to figure out if I go alone or bring Spousehole. Probably bring him. I can sell it as a celebration of both our b-days, since we didn’t do a whole lot for his 40th in March. Prying the cash from his cold, miserly fingers may be difficult, but I think I can do it.
I am open to suggestions for celebrating my 40th. Email me or leave a comment with your ideas for a relatively low cost (no flying anywhere) celebration. And don’t say “divorce your husband and buy a sporty car.” I can’t afford a new car right now!
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Sunday, June 10th, 2007 |
By Nick Coltrain
Times-News writer
TWIN FALLS - Birthday traditions can vary depending on culture and personality - bar and bat mitzvahs for young Jews, sweet 16 celebrations, and 21 drinks for the 21st birthday can all mark special milestones in one’s life.
Or, like Steve Van Duzen, you can jump off a bridge.
Van Duzen, a contractor from Los Angeles, plans to BASE - building, antennae, span and earth - jump 39 times from the Perrine Bridge today and once from a surrounding cliff in celebration for turning 40.
Van Duzen said he’s BASE jumped about 200 times in his life, about 150 times off the Perrine Bridge. He skydived regularly before that, including 30 dives for his 30th birthday. But in the past couple months since he decided on the feat, he’s had his doubts about jumping so much in one day. He said worries about time and the wear on his body, especially after being so sore after three jumps Friday, have crossed his mind.
“I think we were sitting in a bar somewhere and it (40 jumps) sounded good at the time,” Van Duzen said. “(Now) I don’t know if I’m even going to be able to walk when I’m done.”
His family and friends also have their worries about him jumping so much, but they figure Van Duzen’s too stubborn to quit now.
“I have a bit of trepidation about the whole thing, but I can’t do anything about it so I don’t say anything,” said Anne Mathys, his mother.
But she said she can’t think of another fitting way for her son to celebrate. Some friends talked about Van Duzen’s plans and have their own ideas.
“I think he’s mad,” said Nick Gough, a friend and fellow jumper. “(For my birthday) I’d rather have a couple of beers and a nice dinner.”
The day before his test Van Duzen said nothing short of bad weather would stop him.
“If I get completely weathered out, that’s the only way,” he said. “I thought about if I got hurt, but then I’d just say ‘hey, where’s a splint?’”
To make the sunlight deadline, Van Duzen will put about 30 friends to work throughout the day. He’ll need some to pack the 15 parachutes he’ll use, another to pick him up and take him by boat to another friend waiting in a car. When he gets back to the top of the bridge, he’ll have another friend bring him a scooter to the center of the 1,500-foot bridge.
Van Duzen said if all goes well, he’ll be jumping about once every 15 minutes.
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Friday, April 6th, 2007 |
Scholars say 40 is a magical number. The number has so many representations in Scripture that it’s significance is deeply noted. Noah first spent 40 days and 40 nights in rain that almost ended humanity. Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness looking for an alternative to the future God had already given them. Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning his ministry. These are significant events in the story. They have meaning.
40 seems to be about cleansing, about purification and finding something deeper in the story. For Noah, it was cleansing the world from evil. For Israel, it was a purification of faith. For Jesus it was about finding reliance on His Father.
Yesterday I turned 40. I’ve now spent 40 years in this thing called life. I’ve spent 40 years in this world, twisting and turning the corners of life. I’ve enjoyed a lot of it. I’ve discovered the love of a good woman. I’ve known the bliss of my children. I’ve seen the heights and depths of friendship and community. I’ve known the joy of finding my calling in life and experienced it’s pleasures. I’ve known the love of my Heavenly Father that astounds me. I’ve seen the Sistine Chapel, Central Park, Wrigley Park and the Botticelli’s Primavera. I’ve read the Bible, Good to Great, No Future Without Forgiveness and Blue Like Jazz. I’ve tasted great wine, and enjoyed the world best Tacos. I’ve met great people and served some of finest human beings that still live on the streets. Life has been full of wonders and my heart has enjoyed so many of them.
I’ve missed out on a lot too. I was too scared during my teens to really enjoy my friends and discover what made them so great. I missed out on a stepfather that loved me more than I ever knew. I didn’t get to play professional sports, even though I’m OK with that. I’ve never seen the seven wonders of the world. I’ve never been to the Alps. I still want to see the Great Barrier Reef, the Eiffel Tower, the Wailing Wall, and the Great Wall. I want to live to see my grandchildren and love them with a lasting legacy of hope and freedom to love. I want to find my Calcutta and show those who are lost that they are still part of God’s creation and are deeply important to this world.
A lot of my friends have told me that 40 is when they began to settle into their shoes, enjoying the person they have become, as if the first 40 seemed to burn away the remnants of incompleteness. At 40 they discovered how much they had worried about the wrong things, and now could focus on the right things. At 40 they suddenly discovered that life really was about family and people and community. It wasn’t about the stuff they could accumulate.
So here’s to 40. I raise my glass to this magical number and hope that I can live up to the billing.
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