Let's talk about sex . . . really.

Sex, Sex, Sex! If Cosmo can talk about it, so can I!

What could be on my mind at this stage of the game? For goodness sakes, I'm turning 40! Actually, I'm officially 39.75 today. 

Haven't I figured out everything I need to know?

Well . . . It seems to be that the second fascination people are having with my imminent change in demographic group is my sex life. Maybe not my sex life, but that of a woman approaching the big 4 - 0.

There seems to be a great difference in opinion as to whether "it's going to get even better" or "it's all downhill from here." Yikes!

Of course, with all the questions and comments, there are now a few things on my mind . . .

  • Whenever I hit my sexual peak  at 40 or later  how long will it last?
  • After the peak, does it have to be downhill from there?
  • Is a woman's sexual peak all about hormones and their levels, or is it more about her frame of mind?
  • Will I know when I'm at my peak or only realize I had it once it's gone?
  • Am I supposed to be doing something about this?

I hadn't thought about sexual peak since high school health education. Forty, which was the age I thought was associated with it for women, has always been a lifetime away.

For most of my adult life, I've been fortunate to have had good relationships with a shared healthy appetite in the bedroom. OK, OK, OK . . . not only in the bedroom. (I can say that. I'm almost 40.)

It's funny now to look back on all these years. At every stage, I thought I reached the best point, and it couldn't get any better. Then, a few months or so later, I'd be amazed at how wrong I was. I vividly remember being in love for the first time when I was almost 21 and how I thought I hit the jackpot. My, oh, my! But as time passed, I realized that was only my first pot of gold.

As I talk with my girlfriends who are about my age, give or take some years in either direction, I realize how diverse we are when it comes to matters of the heart and intimacy but, at the same time, we all feel that we haven't hit our peaks yet and don't really know when to expect them or what they'll really be like.

Trying to find a little peace of mind, I searched for some much needed answers, only to learn there are more differences of opinion than I ever imagined.

So . . . Here are some of the interesting resources I came across:

For the record . . . even after all my research, I haven't found definitive answers to any of my questions. I guess I'll have to accept this, too, as one of life's wonders and learn as I go.


How will I celebrate the big 4 - 0?

Everyone wants to know . . . How will I celebrate the big 4 - 0?

Ummm . . . I don't know.

People's fascination with whether I'm going to throw a big party, travel to one of my dream destinations, or hide under the covers has made me realize the importance others associate with this particular birthday, similar to 10, 13, 16, 18, and 21. And, I guess 50 and 65.

OK. 

Since I celebrate every birthday and many half-birthdays, too, I guess I didn't expect there to be such an interest in this aspect of my journey to the big 4 - 0 and beyond.

Now, all the questions and suggestions have gotten me thinking about it.

I'm pretty sure I won't be hiding under the covers, unless I'm sharing them with the man of my dreams.

And, I won't be traveling this year . . . unless I finally win the lottery.

So, that leaves throwing a big party. Right?

How big?

A few days ago, I started to make a list of people I'd invite and to ask myself lots of questions. Who do I want to share this moment with? Who do I think possibly wants to share this moment with me? Is this party for grown ups only? Do I include family and friends in one gathering?

Well . . . I think I have more people on this list than I had at my bat mitzvah, so in the words of my ancestors, "Oy vey!"

What number would I reach if half my family and friends weren't scattered around the world?

Do they do 40th birthday parties at Madison Square Garden or Yankee Stadium? I'm sure they do, but that's not in my budget.

More importantly, is a big party for a few hours really what I want?

Sure, they'll be pictures to post on Facebook. LOL. But, will this create a milestone memory I'll want to keep forever?

No, I don't think so, and I already did that at 30.

Hmmm . . .

The more I think about it, the more I want to do something meaningful. Something worth remembering.

I already have some ideas, but I haven't hit the nail on the head. So . . . I'm turning to you.

Help me find something interesting, meaningful, and fun to do for my 40th birthday, where I can involve 50 to 150 (or more) people between the ages of 4 and 80.

If I choose your idea, I'll not only give you credit, but I'll also send you 40 home-baked cookies.

Post your idea here by Friday, October 9, 2009, or send an e-mail to lisa-michelle@acetherace.com

Things to consider: 
  • My birthday is in January, and I live in New York. In other words, it'll be very cold outside.
  • I'm deathly allergic to cats.
  • All venues must be wheelchair accessible.
Thanks, everyone. I can't wait to read your ideas!