40th Birthday Archives

Back in June, not only did I turn 40, but Mr. Bear and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. We were trying to choose the perfect spot to vacation, so I turned to Facebook. Sonoma was the hand-down winner for the perfect vacation. The more feedback I got from friends and family, the more I was convinced! A fellow blogger recommended The Wine Road. I contacted them and they offered some complimentary services for our anniversary, including a 3-day ticket to the Wine Road.

We went out LAX, as we had to drop the kiddo, the dogs and the cat off at my parent’s house and it was closer than San Diego. We took a one hour-ish hop from LAX to Santa Rosa. It was so easy! Much better than flying into San Francisco! We flew Alaska Airlines, which allowed for us to bring back a case of wine with us on the return, so BONUS! Please, they were giving complimentary cocktails on the flight. Wooohoo!

We stayed at the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country Hotel, where the service was amazing from the moment we called for a complimentary shuttle from the airport. They did not have a scheduled airport pick-up for another hour after we landed, but came and got us anyway. When we arrived at the hotel, The Wine Road had this amazing package all ready to go for us, complete with maps, a cookbook, a lovely bottle of wine, coupons from various Wine Road participants and we immediately opened the bottle of wine.

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Last week was my 40th birthday. I turned the big 4-0. I feel like a rebellious teenager, full of dreams and ideas, yet not quite old enough to be responsible for making all these grown-up decisions. How did I get to be 40 so quickly? I had the best time in my 30’s and I don’t mind being 40. The fine lines and wrinkles. All of it, I wear proudly. It’s been an awesome ride and I look forward to another 60 or so years of awesome, no matter how wrinkly I become.

I was in tears most of the day, as so much love, birthday wishes and heartfelt words came pouring in by phone, e-mail and Facebook. I felt so loved! I have so much gratitude for the amazing family and friends that I have that embrace me and love me for who I am. I am so incredibly blessed! No matter what, I know where I stand with these incredible people that surround us. What did I do to deserve all the love and friendship? My heart smiles. [Read more…]