Today is my birthday and apparently it’s a biggie. As of 8:10 am eastern time this morning, as this post became “live,” I officially turned 40. The big four-0. Four decades of life. You wanna know what I have to say? Big deal! Unlike many of my friends, turning 40 isn’t some traumatic event or life-changing moment. To me, it is just another birthday, another year that I’ve “made it through.” I guess part of the reason I don’t feel it’s such a big deal is because in my head I don’t feel like I’m 40 or at least this is not how I think of someone who is 40.
We’re Having A Party: A Birthday Bash
For the past two weeks I’ve been stressed out over finding the perfect venue, booking talented entertainment, loading up on exotic decorations, choosing the menu and deciding what will go in each special guest’s gift bag. No, this isn’t for some big shindig for wealthy VIPs or gala event tied to my job. It’s all been over a birthday party for a bunch of five-year olds!
It seems to me that birthdays have become the new “event” for children. I’ve seen some parents go totally overboard, pulling out all the stops to throw “the best party ever” for their kid. Of course some parents compete with each other to see who can throw the “biggest” and “most elaborate” party for their kids – spending outrageous amounts of money for things like fireworks, elaborate cakes or the latest teeny-bobber to sing “Happy Birthday.” Frankly, it’s pretty ridiculous. If you’ve ever watched MTV’s “Super Sweet 16” or Wealth TV’s “Party Mamas” some of the parties featured on those shows make my wedding seem like a cheap backyard tea party!