Monday 17 November 2014

The big four ohhhhhhhh: Celebration or calamity?

I'm putting it out there before anyone else does it for me: A certain milestone birthday is approaching all too fast.

Having witnessed many of my peer group endure/enjoy (delete as appropriate) the occasion of their 40th birthday, I have come to the conclusion that there are several ways in which to mark this occasion:


1. The big bash
For party-lovers, this is the obvious way to celebrate.  Hire the local hall, invite as many friends and family as possible, supply a substantial buffet and Bob's your uncle. This is the ultimate people-pleaser as it avoids leaving anyone out.  I have thoroughly enjoyed attending - and indeed organising - many such occasions for others.  Sadly, throwing one of my own is out of the question:  The thought of the obligatory speech is just too much.

2. The girly getaway
I'm thinking spa break/vintage teas/cocktails and clubbing or perhaps a combination of all of the above. This usually involves piling on a train to an accessible city where lots of other new forties (or indeed hen parties) are pursuing similar activities.  Great fun but one should proceed with caution: By the time you've prepped your face, body and wardrobe for this trip - and indulged in some retail therapy while you're there -  it may cost more than your annual family holiday.

3. The great escape
Those who have an a) romantic and b) generous partner may find themselves whisked off to some luxurious location where they can gently ease themselves into their next major life stage.  This type of celebration has almost universal appeal, however there are several drawbacks: a) you have to have a partner b) they have to be romantic and c) they must not be permanently skint.  

I'll cross my fingers and avoid looking at the joint account, shall I?

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6 comments:

  1. I threw a huge party - said bring a bottle and your favourite food treat and it was awesome!!!! Turning 40 changed my life. I am finally comfortable in my own skin. halfway to 50 now and looking forward to what hat decade brings.

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    1. That sounds great - and I love your positivity about the forthcoming decades! Thanks for visiting and commenting.

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  2. Oooohhhh I will be 40 next year but I look wayyyyyyyyyyyyy older! So I wish I can just some spa & gym time if I will be given a gift! #pocolo

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    1. I think we all have days when we feel we look wayyyyyy older (but I bet you don't!). Enjoy your own 40th when it comes and I'll keep my fingers crossed for that spa/gym break for you :-) Thanks for keeping up with the blog.

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  3. I had a huge party on my 40th!! It was fantastic and I had a brilliant time. I feel like a proper grown up much more now - I feel like I don't have to take any crap! ;) Have a great time, whatever you decide. Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo :) x

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    1. Victoria - I love the idea of being a 'fearless 40' - I think I'll try to follow your example :-) Thanks for commenting - I don't know how you manage to get round us all but I'm so glad that you do!

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