I turn 40 today ….!
Or to be more precise, I turned 40 at 4:17 a.m. (East Coast U.S. time) this morning.
There is a part of me that’s upset about the whole thing …
40? Really?!?! Wasn’t I just 14 not that long ago? You know, back when 40 was “old” …
But a wise friend, or ten, recently reminded me that “Life begins at 40”
…. Ummm, right. I’ll let ya know in another decade.
But I have to say that 40 did begin a supremely high note thanks to my Twitter BFF @AspiringMama. I’m not exactly sure what I’ve done to deserve this great gift the universe was so kind to bestow upon me this last year, but I totally *heart* my Mexi-fro Momma.
She got me the best gift EVER!
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A Pandora charm bracelet!!!! With a charm that reflects my social activism concerns.
Does she know me, or does she know me???
What makes this gift so great – beside the activism nod and that it reminds me of my childhood – is that somehow she knows exactly what I want but would never buy for myself. I’m guessing it’s because she’s a version of me that is slightly less black leather-loving, monster-obsessed, and lame-geek-nerdy freak.
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In the spirit of “one good turn deserves another” I decided to use my aging process to conduct the first giveaway I’ve ever done on the blog.
Recently Eucerin sent me some products to test out from their Aquaphor line.
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I was a little nervous about testing a product in the fear I might not like it – but I actually do love this stuff.
It isn’t fancy, but boy is it effective!!!
Take it from me, I have very “challenging skin” that just goes ballistic as soon as the first leaves on any tree within 500 miles begin to turn!
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Both the Aquaphor Lip Repair and Aquaphor Healing Ointment worked wonders – and I’ve already gone and purchased more of the product to get me through the winter.
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So here’s the giveaway deal!
I’d like to hear from you what was the best or worst birthday gift you ever received!
You can comment here, @ or DM me on Twitter, or email me your entry by December 1. (Anyone can comment, but only U.S. and Canadian residents are eligible for the giveaway.)
On December 2 one random winner will receive the following:
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A 14 oz. jar of the Aquaphor Healing Ointment
and
an 8.4 oz. bottle of the Aquaphor Gentle Wash & Shampoo
Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Protects extremely dry, chapped, cracked or irritated skin and helps enhance the skin’s natural healing process. The multi-purpose ointment is safe to use on babies’ sensitive skin; it relieves chapped cheeks, treats diaper rash and relieves dry skin associated with eczema.
Aquaphor Gentle Wash & Shampoo: A convenient cleanser that gently cleanses both skin and hair. Enriched with soothing chamomile and provitamin B5, it is specially designed to be gentle for baby’s sensitive skin. Soap-free, fragrance-free, tear-free and pediatrician recommended.
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First off, Happy Birthday!!! *throws phallus-shaped confetti*
Secondly, the best (though he thought it was the worst) birthday present I ever got was… a mix tape.
It was the summer between Sophomore and Junior year. T and I had been together just about 6 months at that point. And being horribly broke teenagers, had no money to spend on each other. I was sure that his present would be a day spent together doing a whole lot of nothing, just like always. Instead he handed me a book. If I remember correctly it was an old mechanical text book of some sort. With a frown I opened the book…
He’d hollowed it out. Inside was the mix tape with a ton of music he thought I’d like. Not music I already listened to, oh no. T was all about finding me new music that would help my moods. (Even then I had emotional issues out the wazoo)
The relationship didn’t last. He moved away, is now engaged and has an adorable baby girl. But I still remember that mix tape. It helped me deal with my father’s death in ways I’ll never be able to understand.
It’s not always huge, shiny presents that stick with you. The thought that goes into them is what makes the best impression.
What an awesome story!
That is truly a very sweet, thoughtful present indeed!!!
Thank you for sharing it doll!
— J
Happy Birthday (again!) My very bestest present ever was a Teddy Bear named AG Bear that spoke “Bear Talk.” He came to live with me when I was 12, and he still hangs around. I used to take him everywhere, but after 9/11, I don’t think his voicebox will be allowed on airplanes anymore, so he’s had to stay home.
I loved that little sucker so much that I went and got my son one before he was born, which was a challenge because they hadn’t made them in year. Thankfully, now, someone has brought him back in a limited way. You can find him here:
Here’s a link to the website where you can find him and read about his amazing story. (Mine was gray. If you buy now, you have to settle for the brown one.)
http://www.agbear.com/
Awwwwwww … that is sweeeeet!
I’m guessing it will not surprise you to hear that my favorite stuffed animal from my childhood was an alligator, named Ally.
Don’t ask …
Thank you for sharing your story!
— J
Hi! How nice to give a gift on your own birthday! Mine’s coming up in a few weeks. Best birthday present ever was my surprise 40th party. My husband, who is not known by me or anyone else for his organizational skills, pulled it off and I had no clue until friends and family surprised me at the restaurant. The restaurant was beautiful, the food was great but it really was the thought that counted.
That is awesome!
Way to rise to the occasion!!!!
Thank you for sharing your story!
— J