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PDFLast weekend, I turned 41, which means that officially I am now OVER the age of 40. Turning 40 did not bother me, as a matter of fact it was fun-big party-lots of friends-felt great it was all good. A couple of weeks ago I was getting a massage (a great Christmas present by the way!) and the Masseur told me I had “great pecs” for being 50. Uhhh 50? Seriously? I am so going with the fact that she read my paperwork incorrectly but 50? This, in combination with my illustrious after Christmas hangover (“I spent too much money and life is too chaotic”) meant that I was not entirely thrilled at the prospect of my 41st year.
Friends began texting on Wed or Thurs wondering what I wanted to do for my “special” day. My husband and kids came up with the idea that they were going to get me a bottle of wine, a book and then they would leave for the night. (This was actually my 6yr old daughter’s idea-she is a total GENIUS.) As good as that sounded I did want to do a little bit more-but with my friends, and not my family. I love my family, but I just spend 2 weeks of skiing, celebrating, lots of one on one time with my family-I wanted out for a few hours. So, I sent out a mass text to about 10 friends and told everyone I was going to There bar for happy hour and then to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
There bar is our neighborhood bar with big flavors in both food and drink alike. I stopped by briefly to let Pia and Tyler know that I was bringing a few girls at 5:30 for happy hour and wanted to pre-order some food-my treat. Why Not? It was my Birthday and my friends are way too special to me, and I wanted to treat them because they deserve it! Pia suggested Brussel Sprouts, Sashmi Tostadas and soft shell crab steamed buns-okay! Tyler offered up the window seats for my group (normally super hard to get!). When Pia also asked what the celebration was for-I confessed it was my birthday and I wanted to make sure we had food-my treat because I know my friends would pay for drinks etc. She gave me the usual happy birthday etc. Then the interesting part happened-she said that they celebrate not the years or the numbers, but celebrate the coming year with an intention. I smiled and thanked them and told them I’d see them in a few hours. Her words stuck with me. An intention-that is a novel idea-what do I want my 41st year to bring? This would take some thought!
A few hours later, I was a happy birthday girl as I sipped my Grapefruit and Elderflower Martini with fresh grated lime zest. Another favorite was the Jam drink with a side of the best brussel sprouts I have ever had. I know it sounds totally bizarre-who eats brussel sprouts for an appetizer? ME!!!!! Trust me on this, you have to go try them, but also do not forget about the soft shell crab steamed buns or the mushroom medley. By the way, they do serve some local microbrews from Telluride Brewing and Ska in Durango. We had so much fun, good food, good drinks and incredible friends with superb atmosphere. The happy hour was a total success-except for Jerry our young bartender-I think he was the “sacrificial lamb” for 8 married, child-rearing women, and he never had a chance! I am pretty sure we embarrassed him more times than what was necessary, but it was all in good fun!
Before we knew it, we had to rush out to make our movie, but before leaving, Pia again reminded me of my “intention” for my birthday. We giggled all the way to The Nugget where we watched the super intense movie, while admiring Daniel Craig in even the most dire circumstance. (I will not give away the movie, if you have not read the book or seen the movie-go! Very INTENSE, but worth it!) The night ended with hugs and happy birthdays galore, but I still kept coming back to my “intention”. I woke up early the next morning thinking about what I wanted this year to bring and at first I thought “lighter” not in weight-although that wouldn’t be so bad, but clutter. So, I promptly de-cluttered the kids’ rooms and it felt amazing! While I was de-cluttering, I kept feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am most thankful for my life, my family, friends, where I live and all of the things that make me who I am. So here it is friends- my intention for my 41st year is to be thankful and show appreciation to all for helping me be who I am! Thank you Pia and There for shining the light on birthdays! Cheers!
Musicmama: One of musicmamas’s passions is music in all its forms. Based in Telluride and surrounded by excellent music, she is falling in love with new sounds every day. When not immersed in the the music scene, she loves to hang out with her two kids and hubby. Constantly surprised with what life brings to the table, the adventure continues with good music, food and family.
About Author
SJPmama is the schemer, founder, and the editor at San Juan Parent. She created San Juan Parent because she wanted to find fun activities for families in the San Juan Mountain Region that would tire her kids out and make them go to bed at a decent hour. She has been banging away on computers for longer than she can remember and freelances at various tech jobs. She considers herself extremely lucky to have such awesome friends and family who are willing to let SJP feature their stories on the interwebs.
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Always Celebrate! Whether it is the year behind, the year ahead, or the moment you are in. Whatever way you have to look at it choose to celebrate. You have a very wise friend and I love this article! Happy Birthday. I can’t wait to be in my 50′s! I have heard they are the best years of women’s lives. Also, I don’t believe you are old until you are 90 so keep rockin it!