XL

No, the title of the post is not my waist size… well, actually it is; but that’s not the point.

Today (the 14th) is my birthday – my 40th birthday.

Four-Oh.

Cuarenta.

Vierzig.

Cорок.

Yonjuu.

It doesn’t matter how you say it or in what language, it’s still old. And I know what you’re thinking…

40 is the new 20

No it isn’t. It’s not even close.

First, there are the minor aches and stiff joints; when I was 20, I could lift cinder blocks all day, drink all night and feel fine the next day. Now my back goes out more often than I do.

Second, where’d all this extra weight around my midsection come from? The spare tire I’m carrying around could fit on a Mack truck.

Third, what’s with hair in my ears? That’s just weird. At least my hair hasn’t started turning loose from my head. Yet.

And my memory… well, I can’t remember what bothers me about that, but it’ll come to me.

And I have a number of typical middle-age self-disappointments – like what the hell am I doing with my life?

If life was all parenting/family, I’d be the best. I am one-half of a parenting duo that is raising a pair of the most beautiful children in the world.

And I’m also told I’m not a half bad husband.

But my work life is, well… lacking. I have the skills to do better than my current position, but am I getting to a point in my life where I have to settle for the position I've got?

Perhaps I’ll spend 2009 working on that.

Being 40 isn’t all bad; there is wisdom in the intervening 20 years. I am much less apt to open my mouth before engaging my brain. While not completely cured of chronic dumbassedness, the chances of me looking like a fool are diminished, however slightly.

And I have not lost my ability to imagine; some people feel the need to put away the toys of youth and focus on being an adult, on being mature. I have kept my toys in arm’s reach, which allows me to keep thinking young.

So all is not lost, nor is life full of woe.

And to prove it, we’re having a party where we can all act like 20 year-olds and we mix mirth with equal parts boozing and carousing to create a little good-natured debauchery.

Of course, we’ll still have to pay the physical price for it in the morning.

So, if you’re in Denver this weekend let me know and I’ll get you direction to the party. Be sure to bring your drinking hat.