Memphis in May....or April

In 2011, I have many trips planned....weddings, bachelorette parties, etc. But 2011 is also the year of celebrating 30th birthdays for many of my friends. This last weekend, four of my childhood friends (from Paris, TN) met in Memphis to surprise Cortney on her 30th birthday! It was a success! Her sister generously organized the event--we got a room at the Hilton and spent time attending a few concerts at the Beale Street Music Festival. (Side note: When I told people I was going to Beale Street, some hadn't heard of this landmark/tourist attraction. So, if you're one of those, it's the home of the Blues and well as a street/area known for entertainment, a.k.a. partying, in downtown Memphis). We had tickets for all 3 days of the event, but picked those performers who we wanted to see and skipped the rest in lieu of spending time together catching up and eating. This festival averages about 100,000 attendees and has a wide range of musical talent...from alternative to rap to blues to bluegrass to pop. All of the concerts are outside on one of many large stages along the Mississippi River (this "Memphis in May" celebration has been known to be quite muddy!). We quickly remembered or were reminded of the fact that we were all 30 (or almost), because we are too old for all this late-night "partying" and Mardi Gras-type atmosphere! We all were amused at ourselves when we got home late on Friday night exhausted and SORE after standing for several hours of the concert! It felt so good to fall into bed!!

But, we were able to see several performers including: B.O.B., Jason Mraz, Mumford & Sons, Ludacris, and Ke$ha. (We had planned on catching Amos Lee and possibly Cee Lo Green, but both ended up performing on Sunday and we had to head out, plus it was rainy). Of all these, B.O.B. was BY FAR the best! They were full of energy and uber-talented and just alot of fun!

It felt to nice to share a few days with a few of my closest friends--those who have known me for a long time...since those not-so-attractive elementary and high school days...and still love me! We made great memories (many involving our not-so-nice interactions with the drunken partiers at Memphis in May) and it was so worth it to see Cortney truly enjoy her birthday--as she had no idea we were coming! I'm so excited we already have plans to see each several more times this year, because 2 of our little group are getting married! Then.....we're looking forward to our trip to the "Big Paris" (you know that one in France?) for our 40th birthdays...wonder what we'll all be doing then?