Bookies in their 40s

It was with trepidation that I approached book club this week. But before I go there I must mention that I am reaching my 40th birthday milestone this weekend. Much preparation has gone into organising a bash to be held at a lovely venue called Mountain View Farm. The venue was originally used as stables and these have been converted into a lovely bar and dance area.

I have mixed feelings about turning 40. On one side I know that I have acquired a confidence and "don't care much what you think of me" attitude that is scarce in younger people. I am reasonably financially stable and have achieved most of what I wanted to by this stage of my life. On the other hand this is pretty much half way, is it all downhill from here?

Somehow I don't think so. I sat observing my beautiful friends at book club, a number of whom have already passed this esteemed landmark, and I see a group of women who know who they are, what they want and how to get it. I think it is a good place to be.

But I digress, we had an agenda last night. One of our close male friends has a girlfriend, Arlene. They have been seeing each other for some time now and it is becoming awkward that she is not in our little book club.

I need to explain at this point, for those who have not already picked it up, we are not really a book club. No, really, you can stop laughing now. I mean, some of us read for sure, (no, really, stop laughing!!) but what we are is more of a "support from your friends and having a good time while doing it" club. We have known each other for a long time. We confide in each other, we lean on each other and we know that we can trust each other.

We all like what we know of Arlene, but nobody has really gotten to know her very well, so what will a new addition to the club do to the dynamics of what is a very special and rare friendship among 9 women? Sure, we would have an even number. Also we would not have to feel awkward at braais when we want to talk about book club.

It was suggested that we initiate her by stringing her up by her ankles and then each take a turn to slap her on the backside as we walk past her in turn. But we soon realized that a case of abuse lodged against the book club may not do much for our image, so we decide against that.

We agreed that Arlene should join us on our November quad bike trip, and take it from there. Unusually for us we were unable to come to agreement about pretty much anything, however for once the bill worked out perfectly. Go figure!

We ate at Primi Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, a popular and trendy spot it seems, albeit a little noisy for a discussion as delicate as the one on our agenda. Once again we tried to formulate a few rules to guide us in situations that require serious debate, and came up with the following:

1. What happens at book club stays at book club (excludes Blog of course)
2. We watch each others backs ie, we can rag each other but we must pound anyone saying anything negative about any one of us.
3. Be honest, even if it is difficult
4. Be free to discuss anything within the group, safe in the knowledge that it will never get out

Not too bad for starters. We are all very protective and possessive over what we have, and I think knowing I have this support I can face my 40th birthday with absolute calm and even excitement.

Thank you ladies - can't wait for Saturday.