You’re throwing a party — for you! Tell us all about the food, drink, events, and party favors you’ll have for your event of a lifetime. Use any theme you like — it’s *your* party!

I’ve already had the party of a lifetime, a few of them in fact. It’s always fun to celebrate “big” birthdays. I know many women don’t like to, but on my 30th, 40th and 50th, I’ve had good cause to celebrate, and great people who celebrated with me.

When I turned 50, in 2013, it was two years after I’d had surgery and treatment for thyroid cancer. Our grandchildren had gone back to Phoenix to live with their mother, after spending a year and a half living with us. And, we’d completed the process for declaring bankruptcy. My late 40’s had been a rough few years so I was looking forward to a new decade and the big 5-0!

As is the case with my sisters and I, we plan little getaways for our 50th birthdays. For me, we went overnight to Sturbridge, MA. Less than an hour away from home, it was far enough away to feel like a mini vacation. We spent the afternoon taking over a little day spa and getting the royal treatment. I had one of the best massages of my life, amidst quit music and the smell of lavender and vanilla (my favorites) . That evening we had an amazing dinner; I had a pasta and beef ragout and the best glass of red wine–I think it was a Shiraz. We practically had to be rolled out of the restaurant to get to our cars, we were so full from the food and tired from the laughter.

The following weekend was the “family” party. A cake from La Salle Bakery (best frosting ever!) and all my brothers and sisters, siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, parents, and my bestie who’s known me since we were 5 years old. Everyone rocked their green clothes, wore shamrocks, and made gifts to some of my favorite charities (I’d asked everyone to forgo gifts I didn’t need, and share a gift with Children’s Friend or the March of Dimes).

I’m grateful for the parties of a lifetime that I’ve already been thrown by my families and friends; so much so, I don’t need to plan one for myself!

Party-ers:

• The Bascom Curse
• The Road Less Travelled By; It’s My Party
• It’s My Party, Random
• It’s My Party:  Here I Am