Year of the Dragrat

Okay it's actually the Year of the Dragon, but for us RATS, this year has a whole 'nother' meaning.

We're all turning 40.

For some, turning 40 isn't a big deal - just a number on a piece of paper. I tend to lean towards feeling this way. Many of my friends are older than I am but I don't see them as that. I actually see them as 27, because that's honestly how old I feel. (And if you've read anything Sylvia Browne has written or heard her speak, that makes a WHOLE lotta sense). Others have been dreading this year since they turned 36. Many have work done, some lose weight (like alot of weight) so they can put their best foot forward and look fabulously forty. Since July, I've lost nearly 35lbs but I'm not doing it because I'm turning 40 - I just decided that I'd like to live the second half of my life as someone thin and fit. No big whoop ;)

So, what do you do for someone who is turning 40? Do you throw a huge party and celebrate like nobody's watching, or do you tippy toe around it and hope to not offend the accused by even suggesting a quaint little gathering? When my husband turned 40, I threw him a man party. No women allowed except for me, and my friend Cindy who came to help with preparations and keep me and my whiskey bottle company downstairs while the men drank, farted, laughed and celebrated in man-style. He knew I was throwing this man-party for him but had no idea the power of the wife. I had people show up that he hadn't seen in years. It was an awesome night and it certainly made his day special.

 I've already been contacted by a few people planning surprise parties for some of my friends. One friend's husband is taking her to Cuba, a few others are planning a group trip to Vegas, others are planning camping weekends, and some are just taking the day in stride and hoping that maybe someone will take them out for free wings and a beer. Me? I turn 40 on a sunday and am planning a big ole BBQ in Puerto Backyardo. Yes - I'm planning my 40th. John tried to plan a surprise party for my 30th but either I'm too good or he's not that good at keeping it a surprise because I knew right away and took over the organizing. "Rats have keen observation skills and with those skills they’re able to deduce much about other people and other situations" says the Chinese zodiac chart.

So with that - I bid all my fellow Rats a happy year full of excitement, adventure, surprises and most of all good health. Beacause we all know that once you turn 40, it's all downhill from there.

~D