It's Party Time

Welcome to my birthday party! I'm so glad you've come. Can I take your coat? Oh, of course you don't have one. It's a beautiful warm spring day. Please help yourself to a drink and then join us. The party wouldn't be the same without you.

First off, I'd like to say we're gathered here to celebrate my 39th birthday! My children, sweet as they are, have no real appreciation of what it has taken me to get to this day. And my husband, dear as he is, has no idea what it's like to be a woman turning 39, and you, my darling guests, may have many more years before you have to think about 39.
Well, fear not, I'll share with you all the blessings of
39ness. 39 is wonderful because no one expects you to wear a bikini anymore. You can still answer honestly that you're not 40. You're old enough that people stop asking you when you're having another baby, but you're young enough that strangers know your children belong to you. 39 is the age when you accept your body, for better or for worse, and learn to be grateful for all the working parts. You know you're not going to grow anymore, so you can occasionally indulge in great clothes or shoes. Your parents are still young and healthy, and you have no college students to worry about. You're young enough to start a new career, but old enough to have some life experience that will aid you in a new beginning.
So here's a little party favor for you. It gets better and better. What's 'it'? EVERYTHING gets better with age. Birthdays are to be celebrated and embraced because, by God, you've made it another year. I'm sure if I thought hard enough, I could come up with some things I've accomplished this year for which I'm really proud. Then, an easier task, would be to cough up a few big mistakes I've made, but I've learned from them because--guess what? I'm 39! And at 39 you LEARN from your mistakes.
Another thing that gets better with age--friendships. You learn very quickly who makes the cut and with whom you want to spend time. Who wrote that darn Toys R Us song anyway? I'm glad to grow up.
I'm over myself, you know, and it's more exciting and fulfilling than ever to just reflect on how I can give back. How can I harness my gifts and talents to leave this world better than I found it? Guess I'll know that one on a future birthday! But I'm working on it!

Thanks for coming. I hope you enjoyed the seafood. The crab dip sure went quickly. Keep eating the marinated shrimp, though, and you know that asparagus was grown locally. Oh, let me refill that drink. Bathroom is just down that hall. Yeah, I love your dress. I'm so glad you could come. Would you like some birthday cake? I made it just for you.
I hope everyone likes Jack Johnson. I was just in the mood for his music tonight. You, too? Well, I'm glad.
Well, I'm off to mingle. Thanks for coming. I'll definitely send you that recipe you asked for. And don't forget your party favor. Getting older is just getting better. Thanks for celebrating with me. xoxox