I visited the Griffith Observatory yesterday (Saturday, June 27th, 2009) with my sister, brother-in-law, and niece. I guess I should have thought this through beforehand. It was the first official weekend of the summer, and the place was packed. The road to the observatory was blocked, and we had to park halfway down the hill. I was NOT happy to have to hike for what seemed forever to get to the observatory. We passed A LOT of empty parking spaces on our way up, too, and that was pretty annoying.

If you haven't been to the Griffith Observatory since the renovation, you are in for a treat. The exhibits have been updated, but it still feels like the old place. There is a whole lot more room, too. There is a new second floor (under the original building). Annie ran from one place to another, trying to absorb as much as possible.

Despite the crowds, we were pretty much able to see everything. We didn't bother with the planetarium, though. That was much too crowded. Maybe some other time.

And we did not get to visit the gift shop. Boo!

So, as most of you know, I had a birthday last Thursday. It was a pretty significant one, so I thought I should post some thoughts.

First, I don't mind turning 40. I've been told numerous times that I look much younger. The night before my birthday my co-workers told me that I look like I'm in my late 20's. Sure, I wish that I had spent the day with the love of my life, but, hey, life happens.

Second, what I did. I went out to lunch with Stephen at Louise's Trattoria. I even had dessert. I haven't had dessert since I started going to the nutritionist. I had a nice goat cheese salad and a few bites of a chocolate cake/mousse dessert. YUM! After that, we went to the newly-renovated Griffith Observatory (). It's really nice and clean, and we had a good time. We were supposed to go see Craig Ferguson, but the tapings were cancelled because of the writers' strike. :(

Third, what I'm still doing. Most of you know that I was hoping to do something nice for the residents and day visitors of the Downtown Women's Center ( ). I didn't get as much response as I would have hoped, but I am still very grateful for the response that I did get. I'm still collecting women's clothes until the end of the month, so if you're interested, please let me know.

Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday greetings. You all made me very happy on my special day!