So... being 50, it turns out, isn't really any different from being 49.

Turning 50, however, was a blast! I will never forget the bash I threw for myself. It took a lot of planning (and it was the most money I've ever spent in three days!), but every bit of it was wonderful. I was so thrilled, especially, that Nancy and Jim came all the way from Boston, and Sheila came from Chicago. Plus it was really nice having friends from Premera. As Maxine said, we got to work with great people there. She said more about the company, but it wasn't as kind.

The Alexis Hotel was a perfect place to have a party and to stay downtown. Great staff, and cute bellmen, not to mention Nathan, one of the bartenders who worked the party. A funny thing happened at one point: my friend Kristine wanted to see my room, so as we were walking out of the Gallery Room to go upstairs, I bumped right into Nathan, face to face, and he made a comment about trying to kiss me. We all laughed, and then as Kristine and I walked out, we looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Was he making a perceptive joke? Being flirtatious? Or was it completely innocent and meant with no overtones of any kind other than remarking on the proximity. I suppose I'll never know, but it doesn't hurt to create my own interpretation.