Wrapping Party 2009 for the Frank Iovieno Caring for Children Foundation was a huge success! (Check out the new web design!) When all is said and done, over 230 children will have a merrier Christmas thanks to the efforts and generosity of hundreds of sponsors and volunteers. Big Girl and I drove to Boston to attend the event, my first ever Wrapping Party, and came home with swollen hearts and many new friends. It was a fabulous way to spend my 40th birthday, focusing this milestone date on the calendar in sharp perspective.
People seemed shocked that, not only was I not at home in my bathrobe locked in my bedroom with a bottle of wine and box of tissues, but that I was genuinely happy to face my “big day” with a smile on my face. I keep wondering if I should be more depressed since that is what everyone seems to expect from me, but I can’t quite bring myself to wallow. I have been blessed with 40 glorious years on this planet, and have everything worth wishing for….what is there to be sad about? I do have to stop that little voice in my head that wants to mark it as a halfway point…but I guess it’s all about perspective. Why waste my precious time lamenting the passing of another year, when I can be celebrating the fact that I have had another year worth celebrating?
And although I was too busy to give my camera a good workout, I did take one photograph worth sharing.

Isn’t he wonderful?! 🙂
Such kind eyes…perfect Santa!
Isn’t he a right jolly old elf. 🙂
40? I didn’t think it was a big deal. Neither was 50. As to the photo, he is a good looking chap.
Happybirthdaytoyouhappybirthdaytoyouhappybirthdayhappybirthdayhappybirthdaytoyou!
Every day is a blessing, even the sh*tty ones.
Love your Santa! I want him.
Hi Lisa, and welcome to Half Hour!!! 🙂 I like you. Be sure to come back!
Wow, that is wonderful.
He is wonderful, and so are you. Happy belated birthday. Or belated happy birthday. Or . . .
Thank you Gerry! Now I’m all verklempt. 🙂