60 is So Sweet!!

As soon as we rang in the new year last January, I realized that in 2013 I would be launching a new decade, the 60's, and began the mental anguish of counting down to what seemed like the devastating reality of "old age." Although backin 2003 I dreaded the oncoming 50's, I had yet to actually document indisputable signs of aging, so was undaunted by what was ahead. But now I can say with some personal experience that aging has its pros and cons. I think I would rather be younger and dumber than older and wiser!

In the days leading up to my birthday I wondered if my family had any big plans of celebrating. Tara was planning a trip home for the weekend, and she assured me that some sort of fun would be involved. I kept offering to plan a family dinner party, or at least some sort of celebration, but Lee and the kids reassured me that they would take care of it. Lee asked if just the two of us could go out to dinner Saturday evening, then celebrate with the kids on Sunday, so I let him make the plans. On Saturday afternoon Alex & Nick and Leo came over, then Amy & Ben and their girls too. I was quite frustrated and annoyed that Lee would plan anything that didn't include everyone, and scolded him while getting ready to go. Belle was so excited she was about to burst, and finally got the green light to tell me that before we went to dinner we needed to go to the airport and pick up Gloria, who was coming to celebrate my birthday too! What an amazing surprise!! The "just the two of us" dinner plans now made sense, and with a generous serving of humble pie I apologized to Lee for being so annoyed with his plans as we raced to the airport.

What a wonderful surprise to have my sister come to visit for a few days! So, instead of just the two of us, there were three of us to enjoy some yummy Mexican food. After dinner Lee suggested we stop for ice cream on the way home. What?! We were stuffed and really didn't want dessert, but Lee insisted.(Little did I know he was stalling!) Since he had yet to try out Bahama Buck's we decided to go there. It was so crowded, but Lee was insistant, so we got in the very long line. (Looking back I realize that I was so excited to see Gloria, and we were so busy chatting away that I didn't know Lee was constantly texting with the party group!) We were finally next in line to order when Lee suddenly announced that the wait was too long afterall and we should just go. What?! When we pulled into the driveway I was surprised to see that Amy & Alee were still there, but Belle and Amy came walking up the sidewalk and explained that they had stayed to put up some party decorations in the back yard for tomorrow's family party (the decorations are an extremely important part of the party to Belle!)and to welcome Gloria. Seemed logical to me! We headed around the back to check out the decorations, and when I rounded the corner of the patio SURPRISE!!!!!

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I was literally almost blown off my feet and retreated back around the corner to catch my breath! The patio was full of family, friends, and neighbors, and the most amazing dessert buffet. I was totally overwhelmed! Lee and the girls had planned a "60 is So Sweet" party that was incredible. I do love sweets and dessert, and all of my favorites were included: cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake, chocolate cake, strawberry shortcake, Tootsie Pops, handmade macaroons, pie, peanut M&M's, red licorice, popcorn, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate dipped strawberries, and a giant chocolate chip cookie cake with 60 candles. It was a "sweet" evening filled with my favorite people and favorite foods, plus lovely gifts and so many fun birthday wishes! A truly fantastic surprise birthday event.

On Sunday Alex & Nicholas hosted a family birthday celebration and dinner. My creative family had put together a very unique 60th birthday present, a bouquet of $60 gift cards for some of my favorite things: shopping, dining, movies, crafting, running. And, an airline ticket for anywhere in the world!!

What a wonderful launch into the next decade! BIG surprises - Gloria coming to visit, an amazing party, and sharing the fun with those I love most. Everything in my life has not turned out exactly like I had hoped it would -- at least, not so far! Some things I take responsibility for and some I just agonize over. But, one thing I know for sure is that I can try harder. I want no more regrets for opportunities lost, for things not said, for hugs not given, for selfishness, for holding back because of what someone else might say/think. Truly, 60 is so sweet!