The "F" Word

It finally happened to me. I knew it would eventually, but it seemed to come sooner than I thought. Last year around this time, I was not anxiously awaiting this to happen, but as the year came around again and I circled the sun another time, it was inevitable. I turned 40. And I can honestly say, the day exceeded my expectations. I had a great day rolling in the new year with my friends. The day started out with drinking coffee and eating pastries on the way to the trails with Owen and Struth meeting up with Jess and Van. Jess had planned out a 40k run at Cougar.
I was the Birthday Girl for the Day.

The run was fun, it was hot hot hot. But we found ways to distract ourselves and keep laughing.

The day was planned and was full, no time to stop. We finished the run, headed back to town and got ready for the appetizer party at Owen's studio, ParlorF Tattoo. When I got to his studio, there was the design for my birthday tattoo and a bunch of flowers sitting on the tattoo chair. The design was amazing. I had told Owen some of things I'd like in a tattoo...and he captured the essence of exactly what I was looking for. I am not bias when I say that Owen is a very unique and talented artist.
Well, I was pretty nervous getting my first tattoo. This is the most permanent thing I've ever done, oh how scary. I was amazed at all the funny things I thought of while it was being done. If i were to go into detail about that, I know I would bore you to tears. Suffice it to say, it was a unique experience.

People started showing up to the studio about an hour into the tattoo. At that point, the rest of the appetizer time at the studio was a bit of a blur. I didn't really talk to anyone for that long and yet there were so many people I wanted to talk to. Owen's patents showed up with a balloon and all the girls had a crush on Owen's dad, he's pretty cute. Then Owen's sister and niece showed up as well and I was overwhelmed with all the people that came to help celebrate my birthday.
After the tattoo and appetizers, the party continued. Some of us headed to my favorite Japanese restaurant Maneki for sushi and more in a tatami room. I stuffed my face, it had been a long time since I'd been to Maneki. After dinner, Sara, who is famous for making cookies, made the "40" cookie. It was delicious and perfectly baked, and also devoured.
So overall, I m not in shock that 40 has come, I think it was harder knowing it was coming. A really, age is just a number. I have health, family, great friends, a boyfriend who made the day very special for me and of course, the perfect dog. What more could I ask for?