Yup, I’m another year older. And, after examining my driver’s license…the next time I renew it will be on my thirtieth birthday. It seems weird to be that close. (Yeah, yeah, I feel your cyberslap, Alliecat.)
Birthdays are weird for me. They are my yearly measure of accomplishment. Which is somewhat appropriate being close to Samhein and all. I love celebrating birthdays (and am even getting my honey who comes from a non-birthday celebrating people, to understand the importance of birthdays), but they can be bittersweet. Bitter in that what-have-I-done-with-the-last-year-of-my-life sort of way. I had some minor accomplishments. I was in a good friend’s wedding (which was lovely, and I’m glad to have been a part of it), I lost twenty pounds, I finally got new headshots, I got a new job (though I don’t know how permanent that will be), we added a new cat to the family, and I celebrated three years of marriage. Around me, two friends and a relative announced they were having children (EEK! They are MY age!), my dad had a hip replaced, the in-laws sailed away (well, motored), a good friend went back to Scotland. I made some new friends, reconnected with some old friends, wondered where some friendships went, and continued some great friendships. It’s been a year.
So, on the Thursday before, we headed to Ground Zero. It was basically just us, though a friend did show up, I think it had more to do with a certain blonde he met there, and less to do with me. I wore the new leather corset I bought for our anniversary (steel-boned baby!) with a poufy black skirt. I drank a little, danced a lot, and looked forward to Saturday.
Now, I should preface this with the fact that my in-laws moved from a two story plus attic and basement house to a boat, and left G and his bro and I to clear out the house. Now, we agreed…I just don’t think any of us had any idea the magnitude of what we were getting into. At least I didn’t. If anyone else begs to differ, please tell me. Along with that, we had a large hole in our living room to fix. Add that to G’s and my schedule, and that left little party preparation time. Very little.
Come Saturday, I won’t sugar coat it, I had a panic attack. Now, I have anxiety attacks pretty regularly. That I am used to. However, I think this bad boy blindsided us. The party was nearly canceled due to me in hysterics. However, G (after calling peeps to cancel) called everyone back, and we had a pretty good turnout, depsite not being as ready as I hoped. There were lots of great costumes, some fabulous pressies, and a great appreciation for the wonderful friendships I am so fortunate to have.
Some highlights:
mmm…cake…
The hit of the party, our newest addition, Lucifer (aka, the living Halloween decoration)
The only shot of actual party in progress. I wish we would have gotten photos of everyone’s costumes. Pictured are G as Silent Bob (his hetero life mate, Jay couldn’t make it) serving cake to Catwoman (who was a different Catwoman than the one who is just out of frame). Roman orgy guy (who came with his Roman orgy wife) chatting it up with the big bad wolf (who came with sexy red riding hood. Ironically there was another red riding hood. Both came with a basket of apples. The red riding hoods are both just out of frame) Then, me chatting with William Blake (aka no name slob who came with Shaun of the Dead, aka nqtyd), and Wednesday Friday Addams. Among the other costumes were W and John Kerry (I appreciated that W was willing to come in on a weekend), a witch with nice purple and black stripey tights, a newly dead guy with gooey wounds, the Phantom of the Opera and some non-costume wearers, who I was just glad to see, and will expect full costumes from next time around.
We stayed up late, and I hope that everyone had a good time, because I sure did. I am looking forward to having another gathering, so that everyone can see our living room all finished. And, I have some big plans for the next year of my life…
cheers!