Tuesday, July 21, 2009

When FORTY sneaks up on you with loud clicky heals

I was born in the sixties. Barely, but I like how that sounds to the ears of the young. Yes, in just one short day I am expected to turn forty. I've been fitted for my new glasses and will no doubt be the envy of all those below me when I strut these babies out amongst the people .

Why not wear it loud and proud all over your face, eh? Word.

When you turn forty, you slow down a hair and sometimes need more than a day or two to celebrate. I've just gone ahead and claimed the whole week for this metamorphosis to fit in all the naps and such that will no doubt be needed as I gain my mid-life zero.
Here's what some special girls and I did Friday to celebrate.
First we stuffed ourselves with Mexican food.

Then went to Jenna's house-o-fun, which was royally decked out for the party! The players left to right: Jenna, Sara, Becky, Trish,Lori, Moi, Arlynda

Then this happened....after the photo, I carefully side stepped off and went in and changed into proper swimwear like the forty year old I have become.

Here's where I was trying to coordinate the girls into a synchronized swimming spectacular. That never really panned out olympic style.

Somewhere in this post I was planning to list all of the wise and observant things I have learned up to this point in my life journey. But, not tending to be a deep or deeply organized person by nature, I haven't really succeeded at jotting down my most poignant (if fleeting) realizations that have hit me thus far.

I did manage to dive through a and wedge myself into a small ring at Jenna's pool. It only took this young and agile thing a few short minutes (and some huge thigh-flops) to wriggle myself free from the floatation device. It occurs to me now though that there could possibly be a metaphor of my life summed up in this very picture.


Don't see it? Let me help you. Though at times I appear to be floating mindlessly around in the carefree security of my youth, there are unseen struggles both in my actual mid-section as well as the mid-section of my days on earth. I push and pull to get loose from the things that bind me, all the while trying to contain my ridiculous juxtaposition between laughter and tears that swell and groan between the deep and shallow. I am wizened- but only halfway. There's a lot left of this vessel yet to navigate.

It's like English lit class all over again. If you can't find the meaning-just make it up! There, now back to the festivities....

Play some 80's friend montage music in your head to look at these next few.





Yes, friends are friends forever, and I got the most thoughtful gifts from these dearies. Here is a picture the talented Trisha painted of me to remember my glamorous side. Can you even believe her? :D

I shall remember this party as long as my memory actually holds out!! Thank you girls I LOVE YOU!!

And now I must move on to phase two of this bang up birthday party. JAMEY'S TAKING ME TO LAS VEGAS TODAY!!! Who knew I was this special?????

Stay tuned as I celebrate my official birthday in the city lights! I could get used to this.

16 comments:

Aaron and Sara said...

WE knew it, oh yes, we knew you were that special. You're a gifted writer, Shannon. My goodness.
The good times at your party reminded me why I LOVE having those times with you all.
Have a great trip!

AfricaBleu said...

Whoop, whoop. Great post, great party, great 40-year-old (tomorrow) girl. I love you, friend o' mine college youth. Have a fabulous time--win millions and say "hey" to Celine to me. ;)

MmeBenaut said...

What a circus you are Shan! I thoroughly enjoyed the party and I especially liked your new glasses, portrait and your attempt at synchronised swimming!

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY DARLING GIRL!

Have a wow of a time in Las Vegas with your Jamey. Don't let the bright lights blind you though and remember, when you have doubled your money at the casinos, get up and leave!

Friends for Life too - Andrea xxxxxxxxxxx

Terroni said...

Happy, happy, Shan!!

dive said...

WOOHOO!
Amazing!
Happy Birthday, Shan!
Yay!
Oh, my; what a great party! And now Vegas as well. That is totally awesome.
I know you'll have a fabulous time but we'll want to hear all about it as soon as you get back.
Fess up!
XOX

Maggie said...

Oh what a great, super fab party! And I HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! Cheers! (I'm drinking a Cosmo toast to you!) xoxo

Katie said...

It's still Wed. here in CA as I write this, so I hope your 40th Birthday celebration in Vegas is going full steam! I'm sure you're having a blast, if these photos of you with the girls are any indication of the kind of fun you can have. LOVE your polka-dotted dress! And I hope there's a movie of all of you performing a synchronized swimming routine in the Esther Williams style! Happy Birthday Shan and welcome to your 40s! I bet you'll find it's a fun place to be. Can't WAIT for the Vegas post!

Fifi said...

You are truly a BEAUTIFUL 40 !!!! And what great friends you are blessed with!

Anonymous said...

Happy belated 40th Shan. Looks like a good time was had by all.

Naukishtae said...

That painting of you, really captures your essence.. looking at all of the previous pics of you on your blog.. it totally captures YOU... may you have many such birthdays.. with wonderful friends.. thank you for sharing your blog...

Petrea Burchard said...

I somehow missed the 80's so I played 70's music, but otherwise I loved your party! I'm also late, but I hope you're still in Vegas (closer to me) and enjoying yourself. Hope it's not too hot and just a lot of fun. Happy Birthday!

TRS said...

Happy Birthday! That looked like great fun. I'm a bit envious.

Whoot whoot!

Scout said...

You have such a great group of friends—how nice, and I'm jealous.

Also, I find the 40s to be magnificent. Where it proud, baby.

Mom Keena said...

Jim, too was born in the 60's. And he likes to tell people I was born in the 50's. Stinker!

savannah said...

belated happy birthday wishes, sugarpie! y'all are looking sumpin fierce! rock on 40's! xoxox

Me~Kelly said...

i recently turned 30 and not too thrilled about it but if this is what 40 looks like then bring it on! i was blog jumpin a somehow ended up here, cute post