It’s All About Me. No, Really

True story: Growing up in a Greek household with four siblings, my parents never made a big “to do” when it came to our birthdays. We got a kiss and cake when dinnertime rolled around and that’s about it. And, I’m totally okay with this because it nurtured a philosophy that family is what’s important. So yeah, my parents never succumbed to renting out the neighborhood Chuck E. Cheese or roller skating rink. We collected memories, not things. Oh, and it was economical and no mess to clean up afterward! #Genius #SoGreek

With the latter said, I’m not a birthday-celebration-kinda gal. In fact, events centered around me give me stomach-pang-inducing anxiety. As for my kids, I never throw blowouts for them — in fact — we always go to Benihana, blow out some candles and that’s about it. Memories, not things, people!

But for my 40th, I felt compelled to do something, you know? So what does a Greek girl in the throes of her mid-life crisis do? She makes a reservation at Mandolin Aegean Bistro and invites her cronies to throw it down with all-day rosé and Greek grub. Thanks to all the girl bosses in my life for the good vibes, presents and presence.

And you know what? I HAD SUCH A GOOD TIME I’M THINKING OF THROWING MYSELF A PARTY EVERY YEAR! True story.