Anyway, despite my tremendous success turning 39, my 40th birthday was a bit of a letdown. First of all, there was no Wolfpack football that day. I don't think it came until after the New Year. And the Wolfpack lost miserably anyway. For the most part, I hung out down at my parent's house. I may have gone out for a drink. Had to save myself for the annual Three Trees New Year's bash. But, the first weekend after New Year's, I got a strange call from my friend Smokie. You may have seen her in the November Birthdays photolog. She was a bit giggly and a bit out of breath, and invited me to come over for a visit. And my sister was already there. My sister said she had yet to give me my birthday present.

When I walked in the door, I noticed a surprise guest, and Smokie and my sister were laughing hysterically. I continued on in the door in my usual laid back manner, hugged them both, noticed the laughter dieing down, and took my seat on the couch. They were getting disappointed in my total lack of reaction to the "surprise guest". Now, I've known Smokie for uh, 22 years...and of course, I've known my sister all of her life. And we all have pretty twisted senses of humor. So, when I noticed the "surprise guest", I had little reaction because I figured they'd fill me in. Then they broke the news that the "surprise guest" was for me!

Maybe the picture is finished loading by now. I present to you Lilly the Blow up Lady: