Despite the fact that I overbooked myself earlier in the day at completely different parts of town (haircut at The Citadel, karaoke machine near Dublin & Academy and soup/cake from Shuga’s, south of downtown), the house and I were both ready by the time the first guests arrived (barely).

Ahhh… another grown up cocktail party. I got an antipasto plate from Mollica’s, Brazilian Shrimp Soup and an Almond Butter Cake from Shuga’s, more cheese/meats/bread from Whole Foods, lumpia from mom & dad and coconut cake & flan from Berni.

Sadly, I was unable to track down a bottle of Soho Lychee Liquor, which I needed if I wanted to attempt a version of Shuga’s Blushing Geisha Martini. But I made do with Pomegranate liquor instead.

We had way too much food. I’ll be having my own dutch lunch every day for a week!

The Schwartzes were the first to arrive. Then the Wolfes. Then the Alvarezes and Jacksons. The rest of the night is a blur of arrivals, eating, drinking, singing and talking. Berni and Lara. Greg Johnson. The Welsbys. Andrea Mourning. Jamie. The Haubers. May & Brad.

The soup was a big hit. That is just pure warm spicy tastiness.

The desserts were all to die for. I’m so sad because there wasn’t very much of the coconut cake left over.

Did I mention the karaoke machine?

Most notable Karaoke performances? John Hauber’s rendition of Shook Me All Night Long. My sister and I belting I’ll Be There For You. Kurt’s present to me of Living on a Prayer AND his Eminem impersonation. Lanel and Scott’s duet of Endless Love. And Greg’s Turn The Page.

Next time we have to request the discs with Journey and The Doors at least. And my usual karaoke songs: I Touch Myself by The DiVinyls and I Know What Boys Like by The Waitresses.

I got some neat gifts. Two mixed CDs, a hand knitted bowl filled with chocolate and a hand knitted small purse with yummy smelling lotions, 2 bottles of tequila, a bottle of wine, a GC for Title Nine and Melting Moments cookies. Good stuff!

When asked what 40 feels like, I looked around at my friends and said, “I can’t complain.”

Life is good.