I usually write my blog entries at the end of the day so I am able to tell you about everything that happened that day, but I was too tired to write about last night when I got home. ... and now I'm too excited to wait 'til tonight to write about it! So I had to get up and begin writing now.

My high school friends, Donna and Cliff, made themselves an amazing 50th birthday bash! We had the BEST BEST BEST time! Everything was done to the nines! Beautiful decor. Awesome food! Flowing alcohol! Karaoke! Dancing! It was just perfect!!!

Hey Donna, ever think of becoming a party planner?

It's in your genes!

Beautiful job!!! THANK YOU!!!

So anyway, here's how it all began. About 3 weeks ago, a beautiful invitation arrived. My Aunt Rena, who is an invitation designer, taught me that the invitation is the first glimpse into the event. She said that the invitation sets the tone for the party. Boy was she ever right! The invitation was amazing, and the party was even better!!!

I met Donna and Cliff in high school. We all went to school in Hollywood together (...back in the...ahem, seventies) and we are all turning 50 this year. Donna and I were great friends in high school. I'd say we were best friends! There were two groups of guys I hung out with in those days. Rick, Danny, Ira, Cliff, Matt etc...and Steven, Curtis, Scot, Fish and Howard. Donna was dating Cliff. (After she dumped Doug and Leo) :) So when I was hanging with Rick's group, (My ex hubby and father of Mr. Gorgeous boy) Donna and I were together even more. She's great. Her mom was a hoot. I loved her too.

As for Cliff, we were also friends. He came from this cool family with 4 boys. The family was in the car business. They owned a VW dealership in the 70's and 80's and then in the 90's they sold Avantis. They also are the family that puts together the South Florida Auto Show every year. They were always into cars. Cliff is the baby. His brother Brian (2nd youngest) taught me how to drive in his 1976 Mustang. (I've been obsessed with ponies ever since.) Brian married a girl from HS also. Ronda. They had three kids and were married a long time. ...but sadly divorced. Last night Ronda was there with Brian and the kids. They're dating again. How cool is that? (I'm a hopeless romantic!)

Anyway, I'm rambling. Back to the story of the how's and why's of this party. Late December 2009, Donna's mammography came back bad. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was recommended that she have her breast removed. She discussed all the options with her doctors and in February she had a double mastectomy. You know quite often you hear people say "It's all how you look at it."? Or, "It's all about the attitude!"? Well Donna Joy Szyman Ray is living proof that those sayings are indeed so true! When the diagnoses came back that Don had breast cancer, she was like.."Oh my G-d! The only part of my body that still looks good are my perky boobs, and now they gotta go!". She stayed positive despite all of her fears and she came through like a trooper. With her positive attitude, the love and support of Cliff, her devoted, loving husband of over 25 years, and her gorgeous children, Donna is "A SURVIVOR".

Donna's oldest child, Erin, is engaged to be married. Her son Alex was there with his girlfriend too. Ronda's oldest, Eric, is also engaged and getting married June 5th. Her daughter Lisa was there with her boyfriend. Her middle son, Spencer, is away at school. I remember all these kids when they were born.

It's amazing how fast time goes. I realize that more and more now that I am older. I have learned that I should try to enjoy each day! Live in the moment! Live fearlessly and laugh often!

Last night's party was a celebration of friendships and birthdays, but also, it was a celebration of life! L'Chiam.

To my sweet, wonderful, loving friend, Donna Joy. Your name says it all. You bring Joy to those around you. Your sunny outlook and laughter fills the room. You are a survivor. A strong and brave pink warrior. I am in awe of your courage. You are a stellar example to your children and to others. I am so blessed that you are my friend. I wish you and Cliff much love, health and happiness on this birthday and all others.

I love you. Happiest of happy birthdays!

...of course this blogpost wouldn't be complete without PICTURES!!!

Enjoy.

Donna and Cliff in High School.

...at their wedding.

and now!

Cliff and Erin

Donna and Alex

Erin and her fiance

'

Donna and her future son-in-law

Ronda and Brian and their beautiful family

Some party pictures!

The cake!

Ronda and me having a ball!

Donna and me!

Friends for 35 years.

How lucky is that???

Today was our yard sale. Our neighborhood organized a community yard sale day. 38 of the 424 homes had stuff out today. Mitchy and I went to bed about 2am last night after all the preparations were (almost) done. Then we set the clocks and got up about 6:30am. I stayed in bed 'til 7, but got up pretty easily after my extra 1/2 hour. (For those of you that don't know. I'm a sleeper! I can't ever get up in the morning and 7am is just too early!) But I did it! We set up the tables, clothes, books, and waters, and we were ready by 8am. Bring it on shoppers! We're ready for you!

OMG. We were sooooooo not ready for it. Those yard sale divas were brutal. I had this $128 dress out on a rack with a price tag of $10. One chick picks it up and says "How much?" I said, "Everything on that rack is $10." She says, "NO!" I'm like, huh? After a few rounds going back and forth, she says "I give you fity cent." I say, "Please put it down. I have other customers that will buy it, and if not, I'd rather donate it!" ...and so the day began.

It actually was worth all the drama. Our garage looks awesome, and we put a little cash in our pockets. We'd do it again in a minute. Next year though, I hope to shop!

BEFORE

Horrible Mess.

AFTER

Much better!

More to write, but tired. Tonight was Donna and Cliff's 50th birthday party. It was awesome, but I want to give it it's deserved time on the blog, so I will write all about it tomorrow! Night night. Hope you all enjoyed your weekends!

My daddy told me the picture of Gregory in his 80's garb was not one of his best shots. :) He said Gregory was much more handsome than portrayed in that photo, and I should take it down. What a good Grandpa! We lu you Daddy. Here's what the gorgeous one really looks like.

Today. Sloaney came for coffee again! :) Love it. Worked til 7. Caught up a bit. Mitch and I are having a yard sale tomorrow so we're working in the garage pricing stuff. Had chinese for lunch. and made salad with fresh mozzerella (from the green market last week) with gnocchi and shrimp, sautéed with fresh basil and tomatoes for dinner. Pretty delish. Gotta finish garage work. "See ya" tomorrow!

Tax season is over!!! Thank you thank you thank you! What a crazy week! So glad it's over. I actually think the deadline was extended to the 16th and they will still be accepting checks tomorrow, but I didn't tell any of the clients that, so I'm pretty sure we won't be getting any. :) Yay!

Katie and I walked to Jamba Juice for lunch. Exercise from the walk there and only 200 calories and about 3 weight watchers points for the shake. Great idea, right? Well, it was delish, but about an hour later we were both STARVING!!! She had a plum and I had some oatmeal, but we almost withered away. No more Jamba Juice for lunch. Only for snack-time.

Made a hair appointment with Suzanne to have my mop blown out. She started back at work this month. Two days a week. She looks great. Baby's getting big! My Mom in law was there getting a perm. Sloaney and Cam met me there and we walked to Pei Wei for dinner. I had Mongolian chicken and shrimp with broccoli, brown rice and sauce on the side. Very good!

Mitchy was working but I brought him home some leftovers. Sloaney cleaned out her closet and had some clothes for me in her trunk. Mitchy and I are having a yard sale this weekend, so now we have more stuff to sell. (Of course I kept some for me!) The good stuff that I didn't keep for myself, I folded and put in the eBay room for Mitch to sell online. Dave Ramsey would be proud.

Well, that's it for now. Gonna watch a little TV and get to bed. Maybe I'll prepare my outfit for work tonight before bed. Today I got a lot of comments. I was told I looked like Carol Burnett (...by Michael) and Minnie Mouse. (...by my Sistah!) I think I'd better plan ahead better for tomorrow.

Night!

Sloaney stopped by this morning at about 8:30am, after she dropped the boys at school. We had coffee before I went to work. How cool is that!?!?! I've never had my sister close enough to enjoy a cuppa joe before work. It's awesome!!!

I will be so happy when tax season is over. What's up with people calling in on April 14, telling me they need to open a new account, immediately, and they will be overnighting a check that MUST be deposited tomorrow? Hello??? Where have you people been all year? It's not like the government miraculously picked April 15th as tax day ummmm yesterday. The date is ALWAYS the same people!!!! Get a clue. For those who don't plan ahead at tax time, I have 3 words for you... EX TEN SION!!!!

What about the accountants who keep calling and asking me to reprint 12 months of statements for as many as 8 accounts? Or the ones that need reprints of the 1099 and then expect that I type in all the cost basis'...and then add the following to the end of their emails..."Please try and take care of this request promptly, as we are under a time constraint." Oh really? You're under a time constraint? Helloooooooooooo. All of America is under the same time constraint. Why did YOU wait 'til the last minute? ...and why is this suddenly my problem? ...and why don't the clients keep any of these documents when they are sent to them? Man what a day!!! I needed to step away so...

Lunch was Bluefin sushi with Jenn. Then Hot yoga. Got home at 9. Roasted a cauliflower and some asparagus. Had Progresso soup and veggies for dinner. Colored my hair. I think it's a little too red tonight, but oh well. Mitchy's working late. Spoke to Gma. She sounds so much better! Yay! With everything she's gone through this month. she always asks me how Brandon is doing. She's amazing. I love that lady.

Gregory Chase called me after work. He always tries to call me on the nights Mitch works late. He's the best son a girl could ever have! Just not the best dressed cat in the room. Hmmmmmmmmm. LOL...just kidding. He's gorgeous. I love this picture of him at 80's night.

Worked. Busy again. Ordered in from "Juice and Java" and ate at my desk. Grilled chicken wrap with eggplant and brown rice. Got my new glasses tonight after work. Can see far for the first time in years! Can't read or see computer yet. Had dinner with Sloaney, Grif, Cam and The Sager's at Flanigan's. Watched a movie (Man on Fire) while Idol taped. Idol didn't tape. Glee did. Movie was real good. Will watch "Glee" another time. Can't see. Will type extra lots tomorrow.