At left, you see Cathy and her younger sister Lori in a great photo taken in 1972 (excellent duds, by the way). Now, 35 years have passed and Cathy today celebrates her 40th birthday. Last weekend, I attended her surprise birthday party on Saturday, January 13, and a family gathering at Marions Piazza on Sunday in honor of the special event. I would like to personally express my disdain to Cathy, for being the first one to drag our generation into a new age: that of the quadragenarian.
Of course, I’m kidding. I left her a similar message (but without the big word – I had to look that up) on the video tape that her Mom was shooting as a keepsake of the party. Cathy is the oldest of the Murphy cousins, her sister Lori is second, and I am third (but the oldest boy). So, it won’t be long for me either…
Although I was not there for the initial surprise, I am told that it went off fairly well. Of course, Cathy had her suspicions when her sister Debby dragged her into her 
apartment complex clubhouse to ‘pay the rent’ – long after the clubhouse had already closed. As they walked into the pitch dark room in the back of the clubhouse, Cathy asked “Is this a party??” seconds before everyone yelled “SURPRISE!!”
We had a great time chatting, snacking on some great food (meatballs are always a hit with me – and Diana’s fruit pizza was amazing), and listening to music. Debby hadn’t brought enough CD’s so I came through with my trusty iPod. But Debby more than made up for it by making me a killer White Russian. Lori had travelled into town from Virginia to bring a load of their
belongings to store (she’s moving back here soon) so she and her two kids were able to attend the party. Dan and Natalie were there with baby Tori, too. Diana and Tom eventually left and took the three kids with them – so we took that as a cue to turn up the music.
All the while, the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints were securing their spots in the AFC and NFC Championship games on the room’s television. Across the hall, one lone girl worked out on the excercise equipment and the guys often glanced in that direction. Debby’s boyfriend Mike tried to keep his eyes elsewhere. I took off around 11:00 in order to make sure that Ashleigh and Derek were behaving back at home, but most of the partygoers continued the celebration elsewhere.
On Sunday, the whole family got together for a traditional meal at Marions, which as usual corresponds with the published 25% off coupon in the paper. I ordered a steak sandwich instead, but I was able to eat some of Debby and Mike’s extra free pizza that she got since they screwed up their order. Diana brought some delicious gooey brownies and the leftover fruit pizza – and also the sad remainder of the prior evening’s cake. One lone candle indicated Cathy’s forty years and we sang the traditional song.
Ashleigh had to work so she didn’t make it. Later on she would get grounded for a week after I received a call at 3:30 in the morning from the Mom of the girl where Ashleigh was supposed to be spending the night. They hadn’t come home yet – but eventually showed up. Earlier that day, the Chicago Bears unfortunately won their playoff game, and during our dinner, New England won as well. Next weekend will determine the participants of the 2007 Super Bowl XLI. These were the events surrounding Cathy’s 40th birthday weekend celebration.
Cathy, it won’t be long and I’ll be catching up with you.
Thanks Brad! This is great!!
Cathy
January 19th, 2007
Brad,
I really enjoyed your pictures and comments on Cathy’s birthday weekend. It’s always fun to hear someone else’s thoughts on how things went. We’re glad you were part of the celebration.
Diana Claude
January 19th, 2007
Wow! 40 – How can Cathy be 40 (with Lori & Brad not far behind) when I’m only 29! The worst thing about the kids getting older, is that we now have to finally grow up.
Mom/Barb
January 19th, 2007
In your generation of first cousins, you had one surpass 40 over a year ago. Different side of the family though.
Dad
January 20th, 2007
Yes, but I’m in the younger half of those cousins. I’m in the upper tier of the Murphy clan.
Brad
January 21st, 2007