Bon Voyage Party

A combination Bon Voyage and 40^th birthday party! What a wonderful way to start off our vacation. Last night, almost all of my, Zachary’s and Maya’s friends were on hand to wish us well on our journey. Our friend Michelle even flew in from Maryland for the event. Although we received some wonderful gifts (the scotch and cigars were particularly good), the evening was a testament to my dictum that it is not things that are important but it’s the people you interact with and the experiences that you share that give life its spice; material things are impermanent. At one point, the conversation turned to the individual who recently won the $365 million powerball lottery. While we need enough money to keep our family healthy, educated, sheltered, and clothed, I really don’t think winning that kind of money would make me any happier. While I can’t complain, I am after all able to take my family to Peru without great personal sacrifice, it was quite apparent last night that I already have all I need. The party was so fun simply because each of the guests were good friends and good people so that even though the attendees were drawn from different social groups, everyone got on like a wild fire. I am truly blessed. Even Sugar Magnolia got so much attention it was almost impossible for her to maintain her typical feline expression of haughty disdain.

The Sponge Bob bouncer was a huge hit with the vertically challenged guests. Almost every time I went down there, there was a pile of boys with a shirtless Max somewhere in mix. I barely saw the kids all night although Maya did make the rounds getting signatures from each of the adults in her autograph book. One of the things I’m looking forward to on the trip will be the opportunity to just spend time with the kids without the distraction of work that needs to be finished or errands that need to be run. Next step packing and then we are off. Although I know we’re going to miss Mary horribly; we are ready for the adventure. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the day: when people tell me to have a nice day, as they are wont to do, I always reply that they all are (after all, it's really your choice).