I have been sick as a DOG this week, and I am still hacking and coughing my lungs out. Tonight is/was my younger daughter’s fourteenth birthday party. I am so grateful for her simple wishes, easily executed desires and independence. I think if she were, say, turning, FOUR, I would be in deep despair.

But she didn’t need or want much. We took a quick trip to the big drugstore for some amusing goody-bag stuffers (Chapstick, plastic dinosaurs and punchballs). We got a fruit tart (she didn’t want cake) and balloons. Five friends came over. We drove to the local gourmet-ish food court and everyone fanned out to purchase their own dinner. There was a table full of Indian food, fettucine Alfredo, teriyaki and tempura. Stopped at Blockbuster to rent movies. Ate the tart, opened presents. Now everyone is in PJs (including me), they’re voting on which movies to watch, and I am actually BLOGGING and resting in bed.

Now THIS is how to throw a birthday party. I’ve thrown some doozies in my day: a doggy themed party, a miniature party, a teddy bear picnic, outings to the Santa Cruz boardwalk and a spa party for the 17 yr old. But this one has been so easy. Happy Birthday, my fabulous fourteen. It sounds like you’re having fun on the other side of the wall.