Three decades

I did it. I actually turned thirty, despite all the tantrums and sulking and denial, the inevitable happened. And thanks to some great friends both in Huntsville and Memphis, I am convinced that although it is the end of my slightly irresponsible and reckless 'tweens, it is not, however, the end of everything. After all, even a hobbit doesn't officially come of age until thirty-three.
So I cajoled almost everyone into throwing me a series of birthday parties and had a blast. I have got some seriously GREAT friends out there.
We had a Rock Band party (after a docile book group meeting) Thursday in Huntsville. Here's the band: Lisa, Sharon, Dana, Shante, Marie, Natalie and me. Dana was the mastermind and got everyone together. THANKS!!!

The cute bass chick herself.

Dana can really shred the guitar. That is, once she figures out what those buttons are for!

Friday I had a family party with my parents and brother Tim in Memphis. My dad had thoughtfully littered the house with every "thirty" decoration Party City had to offer.

The best was the party blowers. Oh, and the awesome shades.

It SNOWED Saturday in Memphis! But that didn't deter these party girls. Catherine, Joleen, Susan, Jamie, Valerie and Lindsay all braved the weather. That's some seriously great friends!

Jamie made the most amazing cake I have ever eaten in my entire life ever ever ever. And it was Word Girl, too!

We made Joleen hold up the piñata so we could kick it. Amazingly, none of us took this opportunity to "accidentally" kick Joleen.

THANKS EVERYONE! you're next, Valerie!