Not quite the big 4-0

By Staff
Kim West
During a conversation with my mom last weekend, I realized that I'm only 15 years away from being 40. That isn't even close to the typical retirement age but that's when my mom welcomed her first grandchild. It's funny how slow time seems to pass by before age 21, but the days and months just seem to zoom by now.
In the past few years, many of my friends have gotten married and started their careers, and some of them have taken on the responsibility of raising kids.
My best friend Amber is juggling a third-shift DJ gig at a radio station in Florence, a production job at a TV station in Florence and an early shift at a coffee shop in our hometown of Athens. She is also a single mother with two young children, and I'm amazed that she has time to do everything.
My other best friend from high school got engaged to her longtime boyfriend a couple of weeks ago, and I'm looking forward to seeing her walk down the aisle not only because she's one of the those people who works hard and gets the most out of their God-given ability but also because she and her fianc/ are foodies. I'm sure the reception food will be delicious.
I guess wedding season is now in full force – my roommate from last summer tied the knot with one of my former co-workers in a ceremony last month at the Shoals Marriott that included a nice sermon from her hometown preacher and a robust bagpiper, and another ex-roommate is getting married tomorrow afternoon in Huntsville.
I also recently found out that my cousin got engaged to a doctor, but they're getting hitched in one of those private, destination-type weddings. I still haven't figured out what to bring as a wedding present for tomorrow but with gas prices being so high, I wonder if it would be appropriate to give the bride and groom a gas card. Maybe that way they won't have to grimace as they fill up the getaway car.