I have always had quiet birthdays (except for my 32nd in India, where I was feted and wined and dined and showered with presents, because they are all about over-the-top celebration there). But here, in the States, things have tended toward family parties, ice cream and cake, a generous and most welcome check from the parentals, and something fabulous from my brother, the World's Best Present-Giver. I've always enjoyed everything on offer, but I confess that in recent years I'd begun to yearn for something extravagent, something surprising and ridiculous, something really FESTIVE. And this year, the yearning--a rather shamefaced yearning, because I am not a surprising and ridiculous type, besides which, I am a little old to be so very into, um, presents and, um, parties for, um, me--kind of ratcheted up because I am (or was; it's all over now) turning forty, which feels significant.
Well. WELL. WELL!!! I am here to report that this birthday was, as Rabbit said repeatedly, "the best birthday ever, right Mama!" It was! Thank you, dearest Huzzband and Parentals and Brother and Cool Cousins! Thank you!
First off, TTD let me sleep until noon, literally, on Saturday, which was my actual birthday. Then he and Da Boyz returned from a bike ride to a nature lecture at the State Park down the road, and Rabbit told me all about worms. What better way to start your decade than with lots of sleep and an informative session on the reproductive and elimination habits of earthworms? Rabbit even took the gummy worms he'd scored at the lecture and crafts session and tucked them into the cockpit of his toy plane. "The Wormidi family is going for a ride," he told me.
Then the TTD family went for a ride to Grandmother and Grandfather's house, where we left the little boys tucked beneath Grandfather's arm, listening to "Old Mother West Wind," and eating crackers, and drove to the local country club for cocktails and the best damn buffet ever. What could be more entertaining than eating perfect lobster salad, followed by luscious creme brulee, while watching an endless parade of tanned men in bright green slacks dotted with navy lobsters?
Well, for one thing, a family party with cake and ice cream and presents--Prana yoga pants from Brother, hooray, he has amazing taste and I have been dying for real yoga clothes; a beautiful silver cross on a leather chain from TTD, along with even more beautiful pearl-and-peridot earrings and another set of turquoise flower earrings; a gift certificate for an hour massage from Cousin; a check from Generous Parentals. The sun was out, we basked, we ate chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, and raspberies and ice cream and chocolate sauce. I luxuriated, wore earrings, and felt grateful.
But. You haven't heard half of it yet. Do you know what TTD did before we went to the party on Saturday? Get this. Get this!! Really, did I make it clear you should get this? Sit up and pay attention, because TTD?
BOUGHT ME A CONVERTIBLE MINI COOPER FOR MY FORTIETH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Cool Blue," with black racing stripes and heated leather seats.
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know it's a sin and all, but I am seriously jealous of your car. I've always wanted a Mini--perhaps because I've always been mini. Happy birthday--your day sounds marvelous!
Posted by: traca de broon | June 11, 2007 at 07:08 AM
Wow, lucky girl!! That is so exciting! If the Mini Cooper isn't the most fun to drive, I don't know what is. It has a monster little engine.
Posted by: Teej | June 11, 2007 at 07:13 AM
AWESOME!! Convertibles are so much fun!!
Posted by: C. | June 11, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Wow. Simply wow. Your birthday sounds stupendous--from the sleeping in, to the dining to the car! I've always wanted a convertible. Have fun!
Posted by: MJ | June 11, 2007 at 09:59 AM
I'm speechless! just speechless!
Add to list of things to do in Aug: Spin Singing Beach wearing string bikinis eating ice cream cones!
Posted by: emilie | June 11, 2007 at 10:11 AM
TTD is just the king of husbands, that's all.
Happy Bday!
Posted by: TLB | June 11, 2007 at 11:15 AM
That truly does sound like the best birthday ever. And I can't WAIT for you to come down to Meffah in your Mini and pick me up so we can do some childless cruisin!!
Posted by: Jane | June 12, 2007 at 10:29 AM
wow wow wow.
if I come visit will you let me drive it?
Huzzah to TTD!
xo
WV Mama
Posted by: aka Marina | June 13, 2007 at 08:43 AM