Happy Birthday tracilee!

It's funny that we have the opposite problem. You are anxiety ridden because people want to celebrate your birthday, and I get anxiety ridden because nobody cares about mine. I WISH I had people who cared about me enough to throw me a party. I had one party in my whole life - when I was 5 years old. As kids were running around my living room being kids, my nasty mother took one look at me and said "I hope you're enjoying this because it's the only party you're ever going to get." And it was!

When I turned 40, I went to Vegas (by myself, of course). I figured that was a crazy enough place to be when I was turning 40. I stayed up all night gambling in casinos, then just before dawn, I found a room at a hotel, took a hot shower & collapsed in bed. I woke up 2 days later with HORRIBLE flu. So, whatever happens to you on your 40th birthday, just tell yourself that it's better than what I went through.

Try to figure out some way to appreciate that people care so much about you. I've never had that. I'd trade places with you in a heartbeat.