A couple of weeks ago, I turned 40.  I entered my 4th decade surrounded by an intimate group of friends and family who mean the most to me in the world.  It was a cocktail party with a DIY cocktail bar.  I’ll post more about that later.  That was a big hit.

Surrounded by my friends and family at my 40th

The weeks leading up to this birthday were challenging, to say the least.  My business moved out of the physical location we had been inhabiting for 5 years.  My partner had a significant death in her family.  There was just too much change at once.  And now…this…40.  The days following the party found me ass-out, as they say.

Women older than me, friends and family, have all told me that this is the decade where we truly become who we really are.  Well, as I work to get back in the groove of my life…I am clearly not the same person I was just a few short weeks ago.  Maybe it’s the fact that I am just physically and emotionally exhausted from all that has gone on over the last few weeks.  Maybe it is the record high temps we are experiencing here in the Bay Area.  But, apparently, my new personality can only be described at Mad as Hell!

That’s right.  I am hot and bothered.  I guess I am no longer as comfortable as I once was always needing to keep the peace.  There are a lot of problems in this world.  A lot of folks behaving badly.  And I have a lot to say about it.  Yes, I believe 100% in peace and cooperation.  But now, at 40, I am beginning to understand that moving towards peace means we must be able to tell the truth.  The truth is often hard to share.  And more often, it is hard to hear.  But it is the only we will come together.

So, next time you see me, please don’t expect me to be the same old Ms. Nice Girl.  I might be hot and bothered and have to tell you the truth.  Don’t worry.  It’s only because I want us to be closer.