Yep.
My weekly blog post is late.
Again.
What…….A Surprise.
Apparently, I have become a very bad blogger. And what’s even worse? I’ve become a terrible Internet Friend. I am not even going to try and apologize anymore! But, please forgive me anyway?
Okay people not to brag or anything, but my 35th birthday was nothing short of magnificent.
Seriously.
I started my day around 10:30am and logged into Facebook, just like I do every morning. Only on this day, my home page was filled with the most loving, kind, and funniest birthday wishes from ‘The Best Friends In The World.’ So thank you, to everyone, for that.
I also want to thank all of YOU – my dear readers, for the most excellent, awesome, and kick-ass comments on my last post. Aside from understanding my boyfriends position on privacy, your birthday wishes made my day all the more special. I feel like the ‘Luckiest Woman Alive’. [Oh, and I am happy to report, my boyfriend already seems to be coming around and is warming up to the idea of having SOME things posted on my blog.]
I finally got myself together around noon, by drinking a pot of fresh brewed coffee and taking a hot shower, before my mother and I headed over to the dreaded mall for some new clothes shopping. I don’t know what it is about the mall, or shopping in general, but I am just not one of those women who ‘Love To Shop’. In fact, I despise clothes shopping.
And by despise I mean – I would rather set my self on fire and shove bamboo sticks underneath my fingernails than stand underneath those horrid florescent lights, surrounded by mirrors, that only seem to magnify every flaw I try my very best to ignore.
However, I recently decided now that I am a so-called ‘Grown Up’, maybe I should start dressing a little bit more like a ‘Lady’, and not so much like a ‘Rebellious Teenager’.
Right?
[But, just in case, does anyone here know exactly how many Rock And Roll T-shirts am I technically allowed to wear in the same week without looking like I am desperately trying to hang onto my clearly faded youth? Thanks. In. Advance.]
Luckily, I discovered ‘Old Navy’ had some pretty sweet deals on some clothes that I actually liked. I am a huge fan of sweater vests, but only when said sweater vests ate worn properly by women. And I especially love sweater vests that have patterns made of diamonds in a diagonal checkerboard arrangement. Because in my opinion? No one can own too much argyle.
Thankfully, my shopping experience was a lot less painful than I had anticipated. Much to my surprise, I scored a few items I will enjoy wearing. And these very articles of clothing are also age-appropriate! It was a win-win situation.
Upon returning home, I was greeted by my totally super awesome 13-year-old son. JCH announced [with a straight face] there was an ‘Emergency Situation’ in my bedroom that needed my ‘Immediate Attention’. When I asked him what he was talking about, he maintained complete seriousness and said, “Mom, you really need to see this for yourself.” Of course, like most parents, I immediately imagined ‘The Worst Case Scenario’.
I raced up the hallways stairs, tripping over the bags of clothes falling from my arms. I tried to brace myself before opening the door by taking one deep breath and wishing on the off chance for some ‘Surprise Good News’.
And, guess what?
There was a ‘good surprise’ on the other side of my bedroom door.
Neatly placed on my bedside table, I saw one dozen Red Roses, in a glass vase, with a big red bow. My heart skipped a beat when I read the card. These beautiful flowers were so unexpected I almost got teary eyed.
Okay.
I lied.
Of course I was teary eyed, and sappy, and all kinds of mushy like.
[Don’t judge!]
You see, ‘The New Man In My Life’, was away on a business trip. Unsure if he would even be able to make it back to New Jersey on time to celebrate with me, he made sure I knew he was thinking of me. And even though we had talked and texted all day long, I certainly had no idea there would be flowers waiting for me at home!
[I would like to take this moment and say, “Well Done” to my son, for helping Sonny pull-off such a lovely surprise.]
As I proceeded to ‘get ready’ to have dinner with My Family, I tried on several different new outfits before finally deciding on my favorite, old, faded, blue jeans and one new sweater. While I originally planned on getting all sorts of ‘decked out’ for my birthday, I opted for comfort instead. And man I’m glad I did.
My dear friend whom I love more than words can ever express, otherwise known as ‘Amy The Bartender [Who Plays Tennis But Is Not Ranked, And Who Has A REALLY Long “Title” That I Can’t ALWAYS Post] went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure my party was a totally super fantastic.
Besides the fact that she made sure everyone told me, “My Hair Looked Spectacular” that evening [for reasons that will take another blog post entirely to explain] I don’t know if I will ever be able to thank her enough – just for the billions of cupcakes she spent five hours baking!
When I arrived at the my favorite place in the world [known famously on this blog as KHCC] I was welcomed warmly with hugs, and kisses, and happy birthday’s from my friends, along with the staff.
I was touched to see the bar area in the dining room had been decorated with balloons, and a princess crowns [much more befitting a five year old] thanks to good ole’ Nightingale! Ah, yes, do ya’ll remember Nightingale. If not, please click here! It just wouldn’t have been a birthday celebration without her.
One by one my favorite ladies & gents started to arrive:
[Um. Yeah. I know. I look like I am about 10 years old here. But, I am liking how TAN my face is!]
[Left to Right: Christine, Denise, Cindy, Norma, Meleah, Debson, Arlene, Amy The Bartender & Linda]
[Left to Right: Melissa, Denise, Debson, Donna, Amy The Bartender, Norma, Meleah & Maidie. And yes, we do kind of look like we are about to have a Slumber Party!]
[Left to Right: Norma, Mike, Maidie, Flipster, Meleah, MY DAD, Jay, David.]
[Left to Right, Denise, Maidie, Meleah, Debson, MY MOM, & Norma]
And then something happened, I will NEVER forget – for the rest of my life.
My friend Joanie and her partner Carmine [whom I often refer to as my ‘Other Parents’] presented me with yet another FABULOUS Surprise.
When it was time for my Birthday Cake, I was called away from the bar where all of my friends were, and I was directed to stand ‘Front And Center’ of the dinning room.
Unbeknownst to me, my friend Carmine has been singing ‘Acapella’ in a ‘Barber Shop Quartet’ for years. And, they just happened to be at KHCC that evening.
I was deeply touched by this moment:
[Of course while they were singing, I stood there sobbing and sweating profusely.]
Speaking of Birthday Cake, one of my other ‘Favorite Women’, who I will refer to as ‘The Woman Who Is Totally Super Photogenic In Every Single Picture, Otherwise Known As Debson’ slaved over a hot stove while baking not ONE, but TWO, Birthday Cakes for me!
[Where the hell and what the hell am I looking at in this photo?]
I blew out my candles, I opened my presents, and I thanked everyone from the bottom of my heart.
Eventually the festivities began to wind down, and the evening was coming to a close when I walked outside to smoke a cigarette with some friends.
I was busy patting myself on the back for carving out the kind of life I can finally feel proud of. I’ve undergone a monumental transformation this past year. And I know I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and such a loving family.
Then…
All Of A Sudden…
‘The Best Surprise’ of the evening occurred.
The ‘Love Of My Life’ walked through the door!
Sonny had made it back from Baltimore [in record time - plus one speeding ticket] just to be with me on my birthday.
The second I saw him out of the corner of my eye, I threw my cigarette down on the concrete, accidentally knocked over a few people, and darted inside the building. We wrapped our arms around each other, and could not hug tight enough. And I simply melted. I mean, just look at my face. Could I be any happier? I think not.
Sonny and I stayed at KHCC until closing along with Amy The Bartender and a few of my other friends. I have to say it was The Best, Most Satisfying, Happiest Birthday – I’ve Had – In YEARS!
[** The complete set of Photos for My 35th Birthday can be found by clicking here. ** ]
When all was said and done, Sonny whisked me away, and the two of us spent the next four days together.
Over the course of the long weekend, we had a wonderful time together. Friday we spent the day alone, simply enjoying each other’s company. On Saturday, we drove out to Pennsylvania to celebrate My Nephew’s 2nd Birthday with my Brother Adam and his wife Traci. Sonny even got to meet my ever so famous grandmother: Evelyn.
[**The complete set of Photos for My Nephew’s 2nd Birthday can be found by clicking here.**]
Sadly, by Sunday morning, I was really sick. And I am the biggest baby when I don’t feel good. I had such a bad headache, a sore throat, a runny & stuffy nose, and a heavy cough. Fortunately, Sonny is an excellent caretaker. He went to the store and came back wielding bags full of medications, tissues, and all things necessary for someone with a cold. But the sweetest thing of all – was when he made soup for me.
I realize that making soup for someone is not exactly what you’d call a ‘Grand Romantic Gesture’. Unless, its been made by the man who loves you enough to personally take out all of the carrots because he knows you are allergic to them.
And that my friends, is the SHORT version of my Birthday Weekend Celebration.
PS: “Hi” Seth & Laurie!!!
Seth, I think your little chat with our guy worked! Sonny is 100% okay with having this out on ‘The Internet’. If only for your benefit! Oh yeah, just one more thing. Over the weekend I was also sworn into the coveted, historical, alpha-male dominated society, and I was asked to enter the sanctimonious circle of trust. Scouts Honor.
[Are you satisfied now, Mr. Schlomo?]
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