Reggie’s Birthday

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Gigi in Aging, My Life 4 Comments

Reggie

Reggie’s birthday was yesterday, his 64th no less. Funny that our numbers are going up but we don’t “feel” whatever that age is supposed to feel like. We will be celebrating this month, starting with dinner tonight. In a couple of weeks we will go to Las Vegas with friends and I have a few other surprises planned. I asked Reggie did he feel “64” and they are battling diseases that have taken a toll on their bodies, although I have high blood pressure, I know if I were not exercising and eating a plant based diet I probably would not be celebrating my 64th birthday.”

I love birthdays and over the years we have had a lot of parties- here are a few pics I found from some of those shindigs.

Reggie celebrated 63 years on planet – we had a little house party.

one of the 50 something birthdays I can’t recall which one- the only clue is I was wearing my hair straight – so this may have been about 10 or 12 years ago.

Husband & I birthday 61 I can tell by my “big hair don’t care” oops the the grey mustache…hehehe

60th St. Lucia- we went with 4 of our dear friends and had a blast-

birthday – maybe 57? that purple dress is kinda old…

another one of the 50 something birthdays

One of the 40 something birthdays…I can tell by my hair and the thick dark mustache

Reggie 58th b-day

surprise party I think 59th- close friends met us at a restaurant-

Next year will be one of those milestone birthdays, perhaps we will go away somewhere or maybe another party- all I know is we will celebrate-

Are you obsessed with celebrating birthdays like me? Growing up I had a birthday party for my 6th birthday, a slumber party for my 12th and that was it…so I think I am making up for all the years I did not have birthday celebrations.

How do you typically celebrate birthdays?

Xoxo,

Gigi

56 WTF?

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Gigi in Aging Comments Off

gigi @ 56

Today is the first day of my new year. 56, a number that ~~seems~~ is ~~old~~ middle age, mature, a woman of a “certain” age, that is what comes to my mind when I hear that number. This number that is closer yet to a “bigger” significant number the- big “60”.

Lately I have been photographing incredibly beautiful young models. Part of the process is the editing of these images, it is here that I am reminded that even the “best” of us will fall into the arms of father time. I am reminded that I used to have long thick hair, a tight body and a laissez faire attitude. These are faces that have not smiled as much as mine, or have seen as much sadness. Faces that giggle about new boyfriends, legs that peek out of short shorts, tousled messy hair that looks so right, random odd jobs that keep them busy, and that anticipation of the next audition, or the big break that will soon come.

pretty girls

I have embraced the physical changes ( not that I really have a choice) my kinky curly “do” gives the illusion of a lot of hair, trust me it has thinned out a lot. The body looks pretty good dressed and a little better than okay undressed. The eyes, well lets just say I have joined the ranks of those that have numerous glasses all over the house.

big hair don’t care

Or how I really do have to take a moment to find my “good” side prior to the shutter snapping, holding my chin just so. I have to hydrate non-stop, especially if I indulge in a glass or 2 of wine. But even with all these changes, I’m at a good place with my self and who I am. There is a sense of comfort that comes with the 50’s, you realize “it is what it is…” You are not going to be transformed to your former 30 year-old self, and that is okay, nor become the next President, just saynin’. Mistakes I have made have contributed to the centered woman I am today. I’m more authentic which is good and bad, good for being who I really am, and bad for sharing my thoughts, thoughts that are at times not invited.

I’m at a point where I don’t have time for the ridiculous anymore. There are places I want to go, experiences I want to have, things I want to see. A sort of urgency where you feel as if you have to focus, especially if you were a late bloomer, like moi. My inner circle is shrinking a bit, I’m satisfied with those that are “easy” and accepting. I still enjoy spending time with my husband and now that our son is about to depart for college that is a good thing.

As I reflect on this past year I am happy to be present, there are so many that have departed, I am reminded often- the news of death, something I don’t recall hearing about when I was younger. Life is truly a gift.

So as this day comes to an end, take a moment for yourself and cherish wherever you are on your life journey-

Xoxo,

Gigi

Happy 17th Birthday Reggie!

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Gigi in Family 1 Comment

I’m of the age where the reproductive stage has certainly past. The age where some of my friends are grandmothers all ready, I was a late bloomer. 17 years ago I was in BlockBuster, cruising the aisles for new music, this was pre i tunes etc., back in the old days when you went to music stores and bought cd’s for $20. I was passing time until I had to pick up my 1st grader Amani, even though November 18th was my official due date and that morning, when I took Amani to school she said, “My brother is coming today”, for some reason I didn’t think so… So of course when my water broke, as I was listening to Toni Braxton‘s new release Un-Break my Heart trying to decide if I was going to add it to my small stack of $20.99 CDs- I knew my son would be here shortly.

I picked Amani up went home, called Reggie, btw this was pre-cell phone days, arrived at the hospital around 5 and Reggie entered the world a little before 10PM. Life has never been the same.

Nov 18 1996

This is the first time we will not celebrate Reggie’s birthday with him, he will celebrate with his classmates and his Italian family. It is an odd feeling not being together, I’m a big birthday person and I have always celebrated my kids special day. Do to the shipping situation in Italy I could not even send him a gift, just a call and a happy birthday wish, oh and an ATM deposit. Although it is so cliche, time really does go by fast, I didn’t believe it when other parents would tell me this, but oh it is so true. From the Elmo to Sponge Bob, gameboy to PS 3, i pod to i mac, Sean John to Prada, In N Out to A.O.C, it has been a blast watching you grow and develop into this eccentric guy.

So take the time and create lasting memories with your children, soon they will be young adults with their own agendas, which is a good thing. I sometimes think perhaps we should have had another baby, when that door was still slightly opened. Reggie has one more year of high school left, but he is already making plans to go east for college.

Reggie @ 16

Reggie @ 11 hiphop phase

2012 gigi & family

Happy Monday,

Xoxo,

Gigi

HUSBAND’S BIRTHDAY

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Gigi in My Life Comments Off

It’s Husband’s Birthday Today!

Husband’s Birthday

We have been celebrating all weekend! Today I’m going to pick up a jacket from SAND his favorite store and a few more goodies. Of course he said he didn’t need anything…don’t spend any money. Oh Well.

SAND Sunset Plaza

Last year we had a dinner party at Au Luc, a raw vegan restaurant in Orange County, it was a fun evening and we introduced a lot of our friends to fine vegan dining. We continued the celebration at Cap Maison a beautiful resort in St. Lucia with a few friends.

Cap Maison

This year we will have a quiet evening together, reflecting on the past year and making plans for 2013. Birthdays are special and I always do something for everybody’s birthday. Growing up I had a party when I was 6, a slumber party at 12, and that was the extent of my partying and I have been making up ever since! I love entertaining and a birthday is a perfect excuse.

What is your favorite way to celebrate birthdays?

Xoxo,

Gigi

Birthday

Reggie’s Birthday

56 WTF?

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