Happy Birthday Margie

 

Today is my baby sisters 49th birthday.

01.2011

Yesterday, we were talking about it and I forgot how old she was. I began to say "It's your 39th right?" and quickly I remembered it couldn't be her 39th because I remembered her 40th!

Then I burst out laughing. So did she.

Although today is her FORTY-NINTH birthday,  I'm going to share a bit of her 40th.

Margie had been recently divorced and was just beginning to dip her toe in the dating pool. Since she and I weren't looking for any serious relationships, we began to hang out together, gathering with a fun group of like minded single men and women that would plan and meet on weekends at different venues for dancing, pool, music and socializing. 

When someone in our group was having a birthday, we'd consider it a great reason to party!  I decided to plan a party for Margie's 40th and sent out e-mails.  Margie and I arrived at  the venue and shortly after, a couple guys showed up.  Then a couple more guys walked in.  A few more ... and by guys , I really mean guys, men ... no women.  Within the first hour there were 11 men, Margie and I.  The men had questionable half smiles on their face as Margie asked if I had only invited men.  I was laughing my azz off because of course I did invite women too.

As the numbers continued to grow, and the guys began to get a little nervous, the drinks were flowing.  Margie's birthday drink of choice was *Purple Rain, oh boy!

About an hour and a half into this party women finally began to show up. Margie was having a blast.  She was showered with Purple Rain all night long. Margie was the life of the party ... she WAS the party, and it continued on until closing. I think that was a cross-over for her, single mama had arrived!  After a night of table top dancing and celebrating life, I took her home.  I tucked her in her bed, still in her clothes, and knew she'd freak when she woke-up in the morning!

At her 40th *2002*

I assure you still Margie, you were fine.  All your clothes remained on, you never fell, and you had fun ... even though you don't remember a thing.

So this year, Sandi and I asked her what she wanted to do for her special day.  What ever she wanted to do, we're in. Drinking? Dancing? Partying? Casino? Wicked wildness?

Bowling ... she wants to go bowling.  So that's what we're doing!

Maybe a little rain afterward???

  *Purple Rain*

1.5 oz  Premium vodka
1.5 oz  Premium rum
   2 oz  Premium 1800 Tequila
1.5 oz  Premium gin
1.5 oz  Cointreau orange liqueur
1.5 oz  Triple sec
1.5 oz  Chambord raspberry liqueur
   2 oz  Sweet and sour mix

   Shake and serve over ice.

You Say it's Your Birthday ...

... well it's my birthday too!

I did a couple birthday posts here and here where I revealed a few things about myself, actually 52 and 54 things, one for each year I've been on this planet.

I was going to add another 2 more things to the list, but as I read those posts again I realize some of the things on my lists have changed.

It's so cliche' but in truth, the older I get I've learned the things that were important in past years are diminished by life's gifts we become aware of with age.

My list's have some "things" on them, by definition, tangible items. Today, my list of things  that are important to me aren't anything that I can buy.

I appreciate every morning I wake up. Really, I give a silent "thank you' each morning when I hear my alarm sound.

I'm blessed to have a home, a job, food and clothing and good health. I love my family and friends and appreciate each and every one for being in my life. There isn't anything I take for granted when it comes to these priceless gifts.

I am over the moon to have healthy grown kids that I love more than life itself.

My new grand daughter Mariah has opened a whole new meaning to my life. In the two short months she has been here, she has brought an abundance of joy to our whole family. Watching my daughter mother her brings a smile to my face daily. Seeing how Ray, her daddy, dotes over her assures me she is safe and secure with both her parents. It warms my soul to see my son, her "Uncle Bryan", holding her as she makes him smile.

When I watch the news and see such difficult times now and forthcoming, my appreciation of life inspires me to be a better person. A better mother, sister, friend, daughter ... a better stranger.

So today is my birthday. It doesn't matter my age or weight, if I have wrinkles or a few gray hairs. It doesn't matter what material possessions I've acquired over the years or what the number in my bank account is (or isn't!).

I accept whatever each new day brings. The good with the bad. The only difference is how I choose to live in each moment. Today, I choose to be very grateful.

Time to catch up ...

March is flying by. My days are filled with endless to do lists that must be taking fertility drugs because they keep multiplying. At the end of the night, instead of crossing off things on the list, I'm adding to the "carry-over-to-the-next-day" list.

Caitlin finished her first semester and was so excited she got an A on her final in her pharmacy class. She's been working hard at school while also working two jobs. I'm proud of you Cait!

Cait out celebrating her "A" with a friend.

I was surprised on my birthday last Thursday, with a dinner party Don had at MacRays. What a freaky feeling to walk into a room and be totally surprised. I had no clue.


Both our immediate families were there. It was so nice, and very special. Thank you to everyone .. I can't put into words how much that meant to me.

Don got his boat (our fishing boat) out of storage and over to his friend who will overhaul the motor. It should be ready for a day fishing by the time the warm weather is more consistent. I'm looking forward to trying out the new telescopic fishing pole Don bought me for my birthday.

Here's a few pics from the party.

Showing Cait how to crack into crab legs

Piggin 'out on endless crab legs

Me, Sandi, & Bryan

Bailey & Casey are Don's nieces, with Caitlin

Cheers, and thank you!

Fifty - Fa-fa-fa-oorrr

It's really only two numbers 5 4

I'll just add two more things to this post from my 52nd birthday:


Today is my 52nd birthday so here are 52 things about me:

* I have a picture of me with Mr. T * I read Shogun without stopping * I like window seats * Snakes scare me * There is a 1959 Barbie logo tattooed on my ankle * My first boyfriend was Jeff Wolf * Ben N Jerry's Cherry Garcia is my favorite ice cream * I'm a germ-o-phobe * I have worked for the same company for over 20 years * Sea food is always my first choice * I never miss LOST * I believe in God * I am on my fourth Ford Explorer * I have a C-Section scar * I prefer gladiolas * I use six pillows in my bed * I can SCUBA dive * I have a son and a daughter * Love Baseball - Go Tigers * I don't drink milk or pop * I floss daily * Ariel is my favorite Disney girl * "The Flame" by Cheap Trick puts a lump in my throat * Favorite Seinfeld episode, Sponge Worthy * I like Red Licorice * Ears pierced, three in one, two in the other * I love the smell of bacon frying * I've danced in public across a bar top * I have Middle Child Syndrome * I sneak Baileys in my Starbuck's while people watching in Royal Oak * I can only sleep on my side * I like Bleu-Cheese Burgers * I love rain storms * 34 is my lucky number * I can wiggle my ears * I don't like different foods to touch on a plate * I have no fashion sense * I'm a patient driver, impatient shopper * I like marcasite * I hitch-hiked to Mexico when I was 18 * I think Karen Carpenter had a great voice * ET still makes me cry * Clowns creep me out * Breakfast at Tiffany's is a great Sunday watch-in-bed movie * I fall asleep in less than a minute in a tanning bed * I like the Veranda Font * I think Cheerio's smell like puppies breath * I never learned to dance The Hustle * I think Sandi will count to be sure there are fifty-two things listed here * I like Merlot * My second grade teacher farted while sitting on my desk * I believe everyone has a soul mate *

To bring the list up to 54, I'll add :

* My hopes outweigh my fears * I think I'll learn to cook *

Cake and Boogers

Last Saturday, our family celebrated my great niece's first birthday.

Yeah! Happy Birthday Little B

The following is a conversation between Mr.L, Little B's 7 year old brother and my daughter Caitlin, as she observed him picking his nose.

Mr. L with shark tooth

Caitlin : Mr. L, don't eat that!

Mr.L : [lowers hand from mouth]

Caitlin : That's yucky [she steps forward to tickle him]

Mr.L : Umm, better check your foot, you just stepped on it!

Caitlin : [sees it on her sock] Next time I'll let you eat it.

My First Born

Yesterday Bryan turned 23.
Where do the years go?


Why do they grow up so fast?
Why don't their dad or I look any older?

[smirk]
Just hush and let me pretend!

Another Year Older

I have been fortunate to have a great family, wonderful caring friends,
and ::: knock on Corian ::: (hey, that's my desk top) I have been healthy.

That only leaves this for me to look forward to:

Guess Who Has a Birthday Today?

It's Captain Obvious!

Happy 29th Birthday to my nephew Michael

I chose a couple of my favorite photos of you.
*With Santa in your Star Wars shirt, you are so cool*
Click on the pictures to enlarge

Happy 15th Birthday to Andy

It is also my other nephew Andy's birthday.
He is still in high school, and may not be forgiving
if I posted his baby pictures.

So here is a nice photo of him marching in his high school band.

And his Harry Potter look.


See some GOOD things did happen on 9/11 ...
Happy birthday you guys!

Last of the "Teens"

Caitlin turned 19 ... her last year to be a teenager.
She and I went out to dinner on her actual birthday during the week.



Yesterday her dad and brother, and grandparents came over for cake and ice cream to celebrate with her.

I can't believe how fast the time goes. Everyone warns you of that when you are wiping snot, kissing boo-boo's and marking off the days until they are independent. I am proud of both my kids and enjoy seeing them finding their way into the world.

If I could though, I would wish to spend 48 hours with them at 5 and 8 years old ... just to see them as little kids again.


Bryan is doing better, Wednesday we will find out if he needs surgery or not.