40th Birthday (March 16th - 20th 2005): Sydney, Australia.

For my 40th birthday, I decided to challenge myself and my loved ones by hosting the celebration in Sydney, Australia — a city I had fallen deeply in love with. I had hoped to move there to be with the love of my life, Luke Fry, but that didn't work out, so he came to live with me in the US instead. It was a challenging yet rewarding event, with 91 guests, 70 of whom traveled from across the globe — from as far as New York in the East and Japan in the West — an overwhelming testament to the bonds we share.

Most came for the entire week, so what was meant to be a single evening turned into a week of gatherings, with the main event taking place at the famous MOMA Sydney, with its breathtaking views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. A truly special moment of the evening was a video produced by my sister Jena and her husband Simmie, featuring heartfelt interviews with my friends, my partner, family, and my grandmother — a gift I will treasure forever. Special thanks to Patrick Guerrera for overseeing every aspect of the event, from invitations and chefs to venues and entertainment. I am forever in your debt. Sydney's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for this milestone, making it an unforgettable experience. The theme was "Air," symbolizing the heights we can reach and the freedom of the skies.