40 is the New 40

     I turn 40 this month.  I know a lot of people don't like revealing their age after a certain point, but I am definitely not one of those.  I have been through a lot in my life and I feel that I have earned each and everyone one of those 40 years. 

     In the past, hitting 40 was considered a major milestone.  Lack of food, disease, bad water, childbirth, war; anyone of these could earn you a one way trip to the graveyard.  Hitting that 40 year mark meant you had beaten the odds.  But now, 40 just considers you over the hill, which in this writer's opinion, is the stupidest thing ever.  

    Why not celebrate the fact that you have hit this milestone?  Look back on what you have seen, what you have accomplished, and what you will be able to do.  I have seen the internet go from dial up to high speed on fiber optic cable.  I have gone from recording my favorite songs on the radio onto a cassette tape (which took skill as you had to hit the record button at just the right moment), to making music mixes on CDs, to streaming favorite band/genres.  I have gone from renting apartments, to renting a house, and finally buying a house of my own.  I have loved, lost, and loved to the point of tying my life with another and going through the ups and downs of life together.  I have made friends and lost them.  There have been travels, from one side of the US, to the other side, then to the middle.  All of these things and more have happened since I made my screaming and pissed off appearance (according to my mom) on this blue sphere we all call home.

    The 40th anniversary of something is called the Ruby Jubilee.  Your birthday is just that: the anniversary of your physical entrance into this world.  The ruby is often associated with prosperity and wealth.  It is also said to be a stone of good fortune, not only fortune of the body, but of the mind and soul.  For me, this milestone will be a great time and will hopefully lead to many new and exciting adventures.  If your 40th is approaching, I hope this milestone will bring the same to you as well.

    On the dawning of my Ruby Jubilee, I shall be doing what I want to do every year on the anniversary of my birth: sleeping in, not working my job, and enjoying a plate of tasty Chinese food for lunch.  May you be lucky enough to enjoy your heart's desire on your birthday as well.  

Smooches!