Birthdays have always been a big deal to me.  Every year when I was a kid, I would let my mom know in advance exactly the type of party that I wanted.  Just a consummate planner from an early age.  I was particularly interested in the milestone birthday years.  I have not ever quite let go of that tradition.  When thirty-five was fast approaching, I decided to celebrate my entrance into my mid-30’s with a weekend trip. Other folks might have called their closest girlfriends to get the party started.  Not this gal.  I sent out an e-mail inviting my family to travel with me to Branson to celebrate in…