So, just in case you didn’t know, my 40th birthday is Saturday. So not only are we in the MONTH OF MEL! which is, of course, nestled snugly inside the YEAR OF MEL! but now we’re enjoying the WEEK OF MEL!

It’s all Mel, all the time. Honestly, can you think of anything better? (why yes I can…MEL ON THE BEACH! is that anything like Sex on the Beach? Hmmmm.)

My 5K is this weekend. I’m really nervous and really excited about it. I know I’ll finish it, but will I be able to run the whole way? The furthest I’ve run so far is about 2.15 miles. The 5K is 3.2 miles …people keep telling me the adrenaline will push me through–I guess we’ll see.

The next big event is my tattoo…which is scheduled for March 23. I cannot tell you how excited I am. I’ve dreamed about it twice now. Vivid, amazing dreams.

A side note: Even though I’m an (almost) 40 year old woman, I have to admit that I dread the day Mom sees my tattoo. She knows I’ve been planning to get one, but I think she thinks I’ll never go through with it. And it’s not like it’s going to be hidden. She’ll see it this summer, when I’m in my bathing suit, or wearing tank tops and sundresses. She still hasn’t even acknowledged my nose piercing yet. But boy, let me tell you, the look on her face when she noticed it was priceless. Do we ever outgrow these feelings when it comes to our parents? If she says anything, I’ll just tell her she isn’t allowed to speak of the tattoo during the YEAR OF MEL! So she’ll have to wait til next year to offer me her unsolicited opinion. Sounds fair, don’t you think?

My kids are actually pretty excited about the tattoo…especially Rader. He asked me if he could get one and I reminded him of the house rule…you do anything you want to your body when you turn 18. So go for it. I’ll even take him on his 18th b-day if he wants. Of course, he’ll be going to public school next year, so if he decides he wants to go the route of piercings, I’ll give him leave to pierce the ear. Tongue needs to wait til he’s 18 if he wants that. I don’t really see Rader as the piercing type, but you never know!

March 28 is the official celebration of MEL TURNS 40! As usual, we’re going to Oaklawn and then dining at the Hot Springs Brau Haus (must call and warn them we’re coming…) There is usually a large group of 20 or more that attend. Last year, it got a little ugly and I now refer to it as the Night of the Liquid Hate. There will NOT be a repeat this year. No matter how much Joe Mains threatens me with pouring Patron down my throat. I’ll take a shot…it’s on my 40 at 40 list…but I will NOT repeat last year’s Night of the Liquid Hate (Liquid Hate formerly known as Blackberry Schnapps) *shudder*

And then the MONTH OF MEL! will come to an end. Will I have a chance to complete all the items I’ve been tasked with on my MONTH OF MEL! list? I don’t know! Videos are time consuming. But I’ll give it my all.

What’s going on with you guys? Are you having a great MONTH OF MEL?