twenty seven.

this story, like so many mediocre stories that have come before it begins with a 'once upon a time.'

once upon a time, the 6 in 26 bloomed into a 7.  it was an inevitable change.  it simply had to happen.  the journey from 26 to 27 wasn't particularly challenging.  it was organic and progressed naturally.  but something happened along the way.  memories were made and lessons were learned.  relationships were formed and strengthened.  and to celebrate those relationships and bid farewell to 26, we celebrated.

or, rather, i celebrated.  and i wanted my friends by my side while i celebrated.  so i threw myself a party.  confession: i've never thrown a party before.  but now that i've done it, i want to do it all. the. time.  i don't know if there's a right or a wrong way to throw a party.  law enforcement never got involved, so i think i nailed it.  however, some might say it isn't a party until the boys in blue come knocking at your front door.  agree to disagree.  i'm sure martha stewart or the barefoot contessa (oh, barefoot!) would turn over in their non-existant graves upon viewing my party-planning skills, but they weren't invited.

so here's what sarah does when she throws a 27th birthday party.

she makes sure her friends are well-fed.

she makes sure her friends aren't thirsty.  hydration is so important.

she plans rigorous physical and mental activities.  because you know what a sports fan i am.

she makes mustaches and demands that people play with them.  because that's the trendy thing to do.  right?  i dunno.  i'm behind on trends.

she creates ambiance.

but, ultimately, she says screw all that.  she just wants to see her friends having a good time.

and that's the greatest gift her friends could give her.

that and wine.