I never really thought about turning 40. When I was younger, I remember thinking about turning 30, but never 40. I thought that by 30 I would be a successful executive in a multinational company, breaking the glass ceiling. The story turned out very different, I was an entrepreneur with 2 beautiful children; needless to say, I wouldn't have it any other way. So, a few months ago, the thought of turning 40 entered my mind. I didn't know what to think. I wasn't depressed or overly excited, I wasn't sure how I wanted to celebrate, a trip (in true Alida fashion), a party with lots of dancing and good friends, a small family celebration. I went back and forth between these options, and depending on the day, my mood, the moon...I changed my mind. My biggest fear about having a party was that it wasn't going to be fun and people wouldn't dance, that was my BIGGEST fear, that people wouldn't dance, how ridiculous is that? So I thought about a trip again, with my kids, as I didn't want to spend my birthday away from them. Madrid I thought, but just for a weekend, with 2 kids, it was a bit of a hassle. Then, the party was back in the lead of the ideas, but I didn't know where to have it. I brainstormed with friends: A restaurant, the beach, a nightclub, I just wasn't convinced. For a few weeks I had thought about a small wine bar by my office, I had been there about 3 years ago and wanted to check it out again. I put it off, even though it's 3 minutes from my office. Finally, one afternoon, 10 days before my birthday, I went in. Immediately, I knew it was the perfect place for my party.
I called the chef (and partner) to ask about the options. My mom and I had lunch there one day and it was a disaster. The owners are a French couple who are both doctors and have no idea of how to run a restaurant. The lunch chef is the son of the "main" chef with whom I spoke. After that lunch I hesitate again about having the party there, but I think I had already sent out the invitations...opppsss!! I told the chef that I needed to try the food, as there was no way I would serve anything close to what I had for lunch, so we set up some time to taste some of his specialties. I ended up going to the restaurant for dinner on Valentine's day with my kids. The French couple was there, not too happy that I wanted to try a wine which they don't sell by the glass but I wanted to serve at my party. After hearing the chef scolding them so I could try the wine and they could get my business, a glass of red was served. After some tardy service (just one person in the kitchen), we started getting our food. The kids wanted lamb chops and I just told the chef to prepare whatever he wanted me to try. The lamb chops arrived and the kids devoured them. They were starving, and I have to admit, the lamb chops were very good. I love preparing lamb, and my kids love my lamb chops, so this was a good sign. At that point, my kids expressed their desire to live at that restaurant so they could eat the food every day. The other dishes were also very tasty, and I was soooooo relieved that the food was good. After all, I was having my 40th birthday party there 4 days later.
Next step, a DJ. I had never hired a DJ, and even though I have a very close friend who is very familiar with the "DJing" world, I just needed a good DJ for a small party. I got some recommendations, started calling and could only get a hold of one. He sounded nice, a Colombian guy, who convinced me he knows his stuff. After speaking to a few more, I decided to go with the Colombian DJ, even though he was the least expensive one, which had me a bit worried. I prepared a list of the type of music I like and told him about the crowd (30s and 40s, mostly Latin but also americans, many people who didn't know each other, etc, etc.). It was hard to get a hold of him at times, which had me even more worried than the "low price." But there was something about him that I liked, a good vibe, so I just went with him. Then the cake, I knew who was making it, the pastry chef at one of my kids' favorite restaurant (and mine), who had made my kids' birthday cakes this past year. The big decision was the flavor, and believe me, it was a BIG decision. Carrot (hers is absolutely incredible) or red velvet (more appropriate for a birthday, and red is my favorite color). I pondered this one for a few days, until I finally decided to go for the red velvet. More festive, more popular, more RED :)
Two days before and I still didn't have a dress. I wanted something colorful, it was my 40th birthday. I have a very sexy black lace dress which was an option, but wanted something bright, happy, fun! Went shopping and couldn't find anything to my liking; however, I bought 2 "just-in-case dresses" after sending pictures to friends and listening to their feedback. The next day (one day before my party) a friend sent me to a store and told me to ask for one of the girls who works there. According to my friend, "she'll find you the perfect dress, she has such a good eye." There I went, I tried on about 5 dresses, ended up buying 2, one for the party (happy, colorful, fun, CORAL/RED) and one as a special birthday gift to myself. For over 15 years, I have loved Herve Leger, even before he was famous, and for my 40th birthday, I bought myself the tightest, most form-fitting dress I've ever owned, and I can say "I look damn good in it."
So I had the place, a DJ, guests confirmed, cake ready to be picked up, food and drinks, babysitter for my kids. My 40th birthday on a Saturday, celebrating it the same day. I went to pick up the cake, the pastry chef wasn't there, I was expecting a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, just plain, I had bought the candles to decorate it. Well, I couldn't believe my eyes, Cindy made the most beautiful cake, it was so special, I really felt the love. At that moment, I knew it would be a very special day. In the afternoon I went to arrange the set-up of the restaurant and the chef had bought roses for me. I was rushing to get ready and called the DJ to let him know that i wouldn't be able to arrive much earlier than the guests, he just said "Alida, it's your party and you will have fun. Don’t worry about the music, I'll take care of it, you just enjoy." Such good people, such sweet people, incredible energy, and the party had not even started. My 40th birthday party couldn't have been any better, the DJ absolutely rocked, I danced all night long, my amazing friends were having a great time, the food was delicious (although I didn't try it), friends were made, kisses were given, wine was sipped, love was felt. I smiled the entire night....not just a smile...a big, happy, glowing, incredible smile, the smile that makes me feel so alive, so loved!!!
I had never imagined turning 40, now I know that it was a magical day for me. The years have been good to me, I've definitely come into my own. I'm more me than I've ever been. I feel comfortable in my skin and my body (and that Herve Leger dress that I'll wear soon). I value the little things, I enjoy small details and I'm thankful for the incredible children, great family and amazing friends who are such a big part of my life. Now, more than ever, I realize that a smile does wonders and that being nice is the only way to live life. When you're nice, you'll find so many nice people out there. So bring it on 40, I'm ready for you!!! Bring on more laughter, dancing, love, adventures, friends, sunsets, surfing, mountains, rainbows, biking...
Cheers!! To life!!
