Best. Birthday. Ever.

I have finally posted photos from my 40th birthday festivities on Facebook. It was a wonderful season of celebration, capped off by the trip of my dreams: a Chicago getaway weekend with a collection of dear girlfriends from around the country.

My BFF Judy and I flew into O'Hare on Weds., May 12, collected our rental car, and headed immediately to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs take on the Florida Marlins from our seats in the centerfield bleachers. It was 45 degrees and rainy but we made it through the seventh inning and the Cubs eventually won, 4-3. I love Wrigley because it's totally old school with its ivy-covered walls, the old manual scoreboard, no jumbotrons and almost no advertising around the field.

After the game we checked into our rental, a third-floor condo in a brownstone in Wrigleyville, two blocks from Lake Michigan.

We loaded up on groceries at the local Jewel/Osco, lugged everything home and up three flights of stairs, then ordered Italian take-out for a late dinner while watching "Up In The Air" with George Clooney. Carbs and Clooney, the perfect way to prepare for an eventful weekend.

On Thursday, everyone else arrived from around the country: Joline from Pittsburgh; Polly from Denver; Julie from SE Wisconsin, just over the state line; Joyce from NW Wisconsin; and Phyl and Heather from the Twin Cities. We promptly got to work loading our own chicken and steak kabobs to grill for dinner.

As we savored our meal, I went around the table and talked a little bit about each person, how I knew her, and the role she has played in my life.

I have the most amazing friends. From left to right: Joyce Farka, Heather McKinley,
Julie Rodriguez, Joline Atkins, Polly Lott, Phyl Schock, Judy Speas.

They returned the favor with cards, words of encouragement, and a surprise 40th birthday scrapbook -- plus a delicious homemade lemon meringue pie for dessert. We ended the evening with a little Mary Kay fun, thanks to our knowledgeable consultant, Joline.

That is the most beautiful meringue I have ever seen. 

Friday began with Joline, Heather, and I going for a 3-mile run along the lake. The weather was absolutely perfect. Some enjoyed the beautiful weather with a cup of hot coffee or a few extra zzz's, instead.

We walked two blocks and took the bus to downtown Chicago, where we made a beeline for the Hershey's and Ghirardelli chocolate stores. Free samples! We walked down Michigan Avenue (stopping at Crate & Barrel) toward the river, then back with a stop along the way at Garrett's Popcorn. At the John Hancock building, we caught our hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus, which took us to lunch at Portillo's and then on a tour around the city.

As if that wasn't enough fun for a day, we headed back to our condo for pizza and then walked over to ComedySportz, which features team improv comedy. After THAT, I was surprised by a white stretch limousine waiting to take us on a nighttime tour of Lakeshore Drive and more gorgeous views of the city, plus a stop at Baker's Square for some pie.

The big party had to end sometime, and Saturday morning everyone headed for home except for Judy, who treated me to dinner that evening at Morton's The Steakhouse on State Street (the original location). Sunday we had breakfast at Walker Brothers' Original Pancake House, attended Willow Creek Community Church in the suburbs, made a quick visit to Ikea (I'm not sure I understand what the fuss is all about), then headed to O'Hare for our flight back to Durham.

From left to right: fresh-squeezed orange juice, thick bacon, corn-flake crusted French toast with bananas
 and whipped cream, apple pancake with powdered sugar, and more fresh-squeezed orange juice.

It was a whirlwind weekend and the experience of a lifetime, better than perfect. The memories will last forever. I truly am blessed with the most wonderful friends, and so honored by the gift of their time and travel to make this dream trip come true. A very Happy Birthday to me, indeed.