Just a follow up on the "no gifts please" issue, because it is something we all always agonize over, isn't it? It went as we predicted. Our very closest friends got me birthday gifts (in groups of 2 or 3). These are the people with whom we are so close that we give each other gifts for big occasions, party or no party, so we ignore "no gifts, please" if there is a party, because just as we aren't giving a gift because of the invitation, we aren't refraining from giving one because of the invitation, either. Our very, VERY closest friends also got us anniversary gifts (one from a group of three couples, one from one couple) -- same circumstance. Most people either brought a bottle of wine, amaretto, or champagne, a small birthday and/or anniversary gift (about like you would give for a hostess gifts -- candy, a funny little purse mirror, etc.), or nothing. Several (whether or not they could attend the party) made contributions to various charities. Another factor that may have made a difference was the gift my husband gave me -- the best ever. It is an album of stories and memories he asked people to send. Not only do I love it more than anything else he could have thought of, I like the idea that that would help people feel like their contribution to the album WAS a gift -- and they are right! Anyway, the bottom line is that I think that whether or not you put "no gifts, please" on an invitation doesn't make much difference; those who would anyway will anyway, and others might bring something small, but about the size they would probably bring as a hostess gift anyway. The real function is for the hosts to avoid feeling embarrassment about giving themselves a party for a gift-y occasion. So I guess in the future I will stick to no reference at all to gifts, EXCEPT where we are both hosts and also the guests of honor. I still feel, also, that people LIKE giving gifts to their friends. And I'll close with a funny story to that effect from this birthday: one day, about 11:30 am, a couple of weeks before the party, I called my friend G, on her cell phone, to see if she wanted to go to lunch. No answer, so I called A. No answer, so I called N. No answer - !!! "Why don't my friends take my calls," I thought, feeling very unpopular. So I called C, and she and I went to lunch. The next day, G called me, laughing. She said, "Sorry I didn't get back to you until today. I bet you wanted to go to lunch. I was out with A and N, shopping for your birthday present!" They had figured it out and wanted to share the laugh with me. (Good thing I had tried all three of them, eh?) They had fun shopping together, and I love the gift (it's a glass necklace) because it makes me think of them having a good time because of me.

deeedee, LOL! And pesky, congratulations! I find it so strange here in Oregon that there are so many women of our age with long, long hair. It's like an Oregonian thing, I guess. And it's often worn in a totally pulled back ponytail. I've never seen it with such regularity anywhere else. I don't know if people think it makes them look younger, but I think it makes them look older because it looks like they're trying to hold onto their youth and that paradoxically makes them look old, iykwim? Good for you for taking the plunge and taking about 10 years off your age :)

It sounds like it to me. But I would be sure to keep up with your OB/GYN visits, to be sure nothing else is going on. Sometimes, if your thyroid is low, you can have similar symptoms (also if it's high!). But being almost 50, I'd say you're a prime candidate. My major symptoms at first, when I was 48 were fatigue, sinus infections, depression, and irregular periods, with increased bleeding. It's amazing how many women I've talked to who have intense fatigue during this time. Good luck to you.

Don't forget to go shopping too! Bring something home for the money you spend. LOL! I'm sure you will see some shows while you are there. Have a great time. Gayle