Turning 40

Turning 40!

It’s official. I am in the decade I once thought of as old. But I have felt no sadness or melancholy about the big 4-0. Conversely, I feel very lucky and happy to have lived this wonderful life filled with health and happiness for the past four decades. I cannot help but think of my friend Eileen and sister Denise who never even came close to this milestone. I have had just enough hardship to appreciate the fact that turning forty is certainly nothing to be sad about.

On my actual 40^th birthday, I celebrated it exactly how I would choose to spend most days, a nice simple barbeque in my backyard with family. We had plenty of time to chat and enjoy the nice weather.

A few weeks later my mom generously treated my sister and I to a weekend escape to Skytop. It was a wonderful getaway for the three of us that included nature trails and heavenly spa treatments and delicious food. The three of us also enjoyed the peppermint spa pedicure (Grammy’s first ever.)

Well- here we are two months later and I am still celebrating! I realize my parents were very wise to realize the wonderful-ness of one-on-one time. I am following their example and rather than doing a single family outing, I am enjoying a birthday date with each member of my family. I thought about a lot of possibilities…. Great Adventure , NJ Boardwalk , Adventure Course and zip line, or Broadway shows.

Last night Laurel and I had our date to Lincoln Center to see War Horse. First we stopped at the Lion King Theater to buy tickets for me and Owen (that will be our date). Then we walked up towards Lincoln Center. We looked and looked for somewhere to eat that would be a treat but not a rip off. As we got closer and closer to Lincoln Center, prices went higher and higher. Five blocks past our destination, we found a perfect place. It was a Jewish Deli/ Restaurant called Lansky’s. After a relaxing meal we walked back towards the theater and settled down for an amazing war drama with incredible horse puppets…. You really have to see it to believe that a life-size horse puppet controlled by three people could so convincingly come to life. It was so nice to spend eight hours with Laurel and have no competition for attention, sibling rivalry or button-pushing. I can’t wait for my next two dates with Owen and Justin.