The BIG 4-0...at Club 33!

How could this have happened? I was just in high school, over teasing my hair and putting on my 35 bangle bracelets for the day when all of a sudden, I have wrinkles, gray hair and sagging eyelids!!! It's seems unreal that I am 40 years old. The time has passed so quickly and yet I have a lifetime of memories. Ah, the irony. Well, I always say that the only way to grow older is to do it whole-heartedly. I am a "live for today" kind of person and go all out whenever possible. So, knowing me as well as they do, my 3 girlfriends and "barn buddies" (from my old riding days...) surprised me with the celebration of my life.

I was told to dress up and that was all. When we pulled into the Disneyland parking lot, I was THRILLED! I wasn't sure what the exact plan was but anything Disney is alright by me. I was absolutely FLOORED when we arrived at the door marked 33. Having been there twice before (for lunch), I was fully conscious of the extreme honor that was before me as we waited to enter this most prestigious and magical place. Being here for dinner was an absolute DREAM COME TRUE (lunch was great but I understand the dinner experience at the Club is the hands-down winner)!!!!! It was a 5 1/2 hour meal with perks galore (it helped that a certain member of our little group has been a Disney employee for 33 1/2 years). I was spoiled beyond reason. After we finished our 1st 2 1/2 hours of feasting and drinking (and then drinking some more...), we enjoyed the "holiday spectacular or fireworks" show from the outdoor balcony of the club, champagne in hand. New Orleans Square was saturated in holiday decor and lighting which made our balcony visit even that much more magical. It was like being at the North Pole of Mardi Gras, with fireworks booming in the background. Incredible! Then, it was back inside for more champagne, custom desserts and gifts. I can't thank my sweet girls enough for making this the most memorable birthday I will undoubtedly ever have. So, Mary, Robin and Tricia....once again, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!

Last note....and best part...... After dinner, Eric the manager gave us a pass for the rides so we didn't have to stand in line with our high heels (it was midnight at this point). So, we send all of our packages to the front gate so we didn't have to carry them and set off for the Haunted Mansion Holiday ride. What a kick! Then, we went sailing on the Caribbean with the beloved Disney Pirates (we were singing "Yo, Ho, Yo, Ho..." at the top of our lungs). To finish things off, we went on my favorite ride, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and sat in the front row, laughing 'til our sides split at Mary's face as we got tossed around and thrown all over the place. Woo hoo! It was magic!!! What a blessed woman I am to have such loving friends....thanks, girls!!!!