Turning 40 » Celebrating

Turning 40 Guest Post by Karen A. Chase

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:48:19 +0000

By Karen A. Chase

Author of Bonjour 40: A Paris travel log

(40 years. 40 days. 40 seconds)

Why is it that turning 40 is supposed to be a bad thing? I know a lot of women curl up in the fetal position over it, but for me, it was a chance to do something I’d always longed to do. Live in Paris. For a month. I’ve made choices throughout my life that made this moment possible, but what made it feasible was simply that I planned to do it. When I turned 39, I said I’d go to Paris for my fortieth, and so I spent the year preparing to accomplish just that.

I took French lessons, and studied French DVDs. I found an apartment, put together a budget, and saved for it. Every time I thought about buying a blouse, or a new pair of shoes, I thought, “that’s a day in Paris.” Or, “Why would I buy American shoes when I’m going to Paris.” When tax time rolled around I said no to investing in my IRA (Because the market stinks anyway), and invested in my L-I-F-E instead.

Cry? Moan? Whine? About turning 40? Why on earth would I do that? The other option to smile, embrace it and take a trip of a lifetime is so much more rewarding. The side benefit has been it’s helped launch a career I’ve wanted for a long time. To write. My blog, photos and trip turned into a full-fledged book. Goodbye 39. Bonjour 40! Now, I can’t wait until 50 comes along!

Turning 40 in a few minutes by Tracey

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:58:12 +0000

It’s 10:58 and I turn 40 in an hour and two minutes. I can’t sleep becasue I have mixed emotions about turning 40. I am by no means a writer, but I think spilling my guts out about my feelings will help me deal with them. I thought this day would be different. I certaintly don’t feel 40, and people tell me I look a lot younger. That’s encouraging. Apparently this is a milestone birthday. In the back of my mind I secretly wanted a suprise party (never had one) or the talk of all my friends – I know that is so selfish of me. I’m just being honest. Frankly, I don’t think it’s a big deal to anyone but me. Tomorrow will pass and I will be forty years old.

I did have a revelation though. I put too much focus on other people making me happy. From this day forward, I will put my trust in the Lord and not in people. After all, God is the only on in my life that has never broken His promise that He will never leave me. So, tomorrow I will reflect on the forty years that God has blessed me with, and share my day with Him.

Knocking on 40 by Lara

admin — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:31:49 +0000

Via Never Picture Perfect: This is my last day in the decade of my 30′s. Yes, the irony or humor of turning forty on Thanksgiving is not lost on me:). I used to think 40 was so old. Silly me. In some ways, I don’t feel much older than I did when I was in my twenties. I mean, I have a more settled feeling now, and in the last year my body has reminded me I’m not twenty any more. Twelve hour shifts at the hospital leave me really tired. My feet hurt on a regular basis and I use a mountain of pillows to position myself comfortably in bed. That’s all kind of different. But me, myself–my soul doesn’t feel old.

Our pastor usually points out the significance of any numbers used in the Bible passage we are studying. God is a God of order and purpose and has significance in all that He does, even the numbers. I thought I’d look up 40 to see what meaning it has in the Bible. After reading several websites (with a grain of salt of course), the consensus seems to be that forty is the number that symbolizes a trial. It’s a number used a lot in both Old and New Testament–it rained forty days during the flood, Moses was 40 years in Egypt, 40 in Midian, and led the people in the wilderness for 40 years as well. He was on the mountain receiving the Law from God (twice). There are forty years of “probation” under trials, under enlarged dominion (David and Solomon), under prosperity (Gideon), under humiliation (under Saul and the Philistines). Jesus was tempted for forty days and seen by his disciples for forty days after his resurrection. Lots of 40′s.

SO what does this mean? Ummm…I don’t really know. Perhaps the first 40 years were probation or testing to get me ready for the next 40? Maybe. I’m sure it doesn’t mean the testing is over:). It’s certainly been a busy 40 years. I became a believer in Jesus, graduated high school and college, got married, had four kids. Walked with my husband through the trials of infertility, miscarriage, job loss.

I’ve become more comfortable in my own skin, yet less comfortable living here in this world. I have many more imperfections than I ever thought I did when I was a teenager–nothing brings those out more than having children and the Holy Spirit with a sense of humor . I am much more aware of how little I know about anything and everything in this world. I do not have a picture perfect life–I can be grumpy, I’m rather opinionated, I struggle daily with some sort of messiness/clutter issue and I’d rather read a book or bake bread than exercise.

But I do know one thing: Jesus walks with me every step of the way. There is evidence of Him in every facet of my life and I know He will never leave me or forsake me. I know I am a vapor, and a rather messy one at that–and He loves me anyway.

My pumpkin scones are in the freezer, ready for my husband and children to bake for me in the morning. I’m anticipating many homemade cards from my sweet ones and interesting gifts from The Dollar Tree, picked out in love; breakfast in bed after a very long wait while it is prepared with lots of “shushing” and arguments and giggles (and prayers by me that is actually makes it to the bed without ending up on the hall floor). I’m looking forward to turning forty and any blessings the Lord would pour out, should He choose. I’m thankful for the first forty years I’ve had and can’t wait to see what He has planned for the next.

My Plan for Turning 40 by Manav

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:59:17 +0000

Via Futnani.com: I reached out to my 2 closest childhood friends last week and made a pact with them – that when we turn 40, we are going to take an epic trip. We haven’t decided where to go – after all, there are 7 years left before we need to make up our mind – but its going to comprise places that we have always wanted to go – but could not – because it was too far, or it was not possible to take the kids, or it was too expensive, or some other such practical reason.

This experience is going to take both time and money. By blocking 3 weeks on our calenders (on google / iCloud – our existing computers / smartphones will be obsolete by then), 7 years in advance, we wont have any excuses to spare 3 weeks. In terms of money, we’re all setting up SIPs and putting away $100 a month from now – a number small enough that it wont pinch but enough to add-up to something significant given the mathematical effect of compounding. In short, we wont have any reasonable excuses to pull out of the trip when the time comes. Places that may feature on the list are Tierra del Fuego, the Galapagos Islands, Mongolia and Beirut.

When I look back at my life, a few key key moments that come to mind – my first trip to London en-route to College, my week at a youth hostel in southern Spain, re-living ‘Lost in Translation’ in Tokyo, a polo lesson in Buenos Aires, counting Zebras in Kenya. With work-related pressures and a second child on the way, it seems like life is going by way too quickly and there is little time for gathering more of those stellar memories that frequently punctuated the earlier years of my life. The idea is, I guess, to go into our forties with a 3 weeks of mad memories. Look out for the photos in 7 years…

Turning 40 Jumping from 12K

admin — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:39:04 +0000

Fabulous at 40: Dannii Minogue celebrates landmark birthday

admin — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:06:11 +0000

Via STV.com Dannii Minogue celebrated turning the big 4-0 today and said she had been “looking forward to turning the big four-oh almost as much as I looked forward to my 30th!”

To celebrate the big day, the stunning Australian TV star and singer decided to treat fans to a peek at her favourite memories from the last 40 years, posting photographs on the website mydaily.co.uk.

Top of the list was the adorable photo of Dannii and her partner Kris Smith huddled round their newborn baby Ethan, as they took him home from hospital, which Dannii dubbed “the moment I’ll cherish forever”.

A snap of former X Factor judge Dannii covering outspoken Simon Cowell’s mouth with her hand – “the moment that always makes me laugh” – was another highlight, as was launching fashion label Project D with best friend Tabitha Webb, which Dannii refers to as “the moment I felt most empowered”.

She also had a picture of her former protégé Matt Cardle winning The X Factor, whom she mentored on the 2010 version of the show, calling it her proudest moment.

Most women try to shy away from the fact that they’re turning 40, but Dannii seemed delighted to reach the landmark age, thanking fans on Twitter for all their birthday messages.

Stars also flooded Twitter with celebratory messages for the star, including Dannii’s pop princess sister Kylie, who posted: “LOVERS!!!!!! My little sister @DanniiMinogue is celebrating her 40th today. Send your hip, hip, hooray!!!!! Happy Birthday Dan!!!!!”

Matt Cardle himself also took to Twitter to wish his former X Factor mentor a very happy 40th, writing: “@DanniiMinogue HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAVE A WICKED DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XXXXXXXX”

Forty is the new Thirty by Polly

admin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:18:11 +0000

Via DFW Mama – by Polly Harrison: It’s almost here and I’m really not sure how I’m going to handle it. I’m going to be 40 in a week and I’m convinced we have our dates confused on the calendar. When did this happen? I can still vividly remember counting the days until my 16^th birthday – surely it hasn’t been 24 YEARS since then, has it??? My husband informed me that he’s throwing me a party for the big day so I’ve busied myself by helping with the planning rather than focus on the ticking of the clock. But still, time marches on. I know, I know – turning 40 is better than the alternative. I get it. I realize it’s better to be alive than dead. But there’s a definite shift in society for women that occurs at 40 that’s pretty hard to ignore. Tons of magazines, beauty products and clothing lines tout themselves as being for “Women Over 40”. Why?? What happens at 40? Are all my regular things going to stop working? Do I need to cut off my hair, throw away my shorts and get age cream? Should I have done that a long time ago?? This is all new territory for me and I intend to (hopefully) approach it all gratefully and gracefully. Or maybe a little tipsy.

On the upside, the party my husband is planning sounds like it’s going to be lots of fun! In an effort to keep me from having to do much, he hired a housekeeper and scheduled a spa appointment for me the day of the big event. Also, we’ve outsourced the food and libations – Taco Taxi, a mobile taco cart catering service (doesn’t that sound like fun??) is doing dinner, Margarita Adventures is providing a margarita machine, and Creative Sweet Shoppe will be baking and decorating a vanilla cake with raspberry filling. I can’t wait!!

Check back next week and I will follow up on the big shin-dig and let you know my thoughts on how it went. And how everything tasted! That is, if my aged old brain can remember all the details. I’ll be 40 by then so you never know.

The Unwritten Handbook of Rules on Turning 40 by Kelli

admin — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:21:37 +0000

This past Wednesday, I turned 40. It was an event I had been having mixed emotions about for months. When I saw the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, I felt like I’d been slapped. I pretty much ruined the whole night. Where did the time go? I didn’t feel ready.

Turning 40 is a milestone in a person’s life, but here is what can make it a traumatic event. Our society has an unwritten handbook of rules. There are certain things we should have achieved by the time we reach a certain age, and if just one or two of those things are missing, we tend to feel like a failure. It’s a set of rules most of us seem to be affected by, whether we realize it or not. I am the first to admit there are things I have yet to accomplish, things I thought would be in place by this age. However, life doesn’t always line up with what you expect it to be.

I spent two days celebrating entering my 40s. The night before, I went to see Bon Jovi in concert for the second time. The next day, I bought a german chocolate cake. The day felt like being on a long rollercoaster ride. I was thankful, sad, confused.. wondering what to do next, where to go with my life. I walked around in a fog, and the overcast skies didn’t help very much.

The good thing is there is still time to do the things I want to do, to get the life I’d like to have. Not that my life is so bad now. It just feels somewhat incomplete. The thing to do is take this time, and use it to the fullest, to make it productive. You are never too old to dream, to see those dreams turn into reality, and come true. This has become my focus. Being in your 40s is far from the end. It’s a turning of the page.

Once I stopped feeling blue and in a funky daze, the sun began to come out. Happy B-day to me.

Life at 40′s a Beach by Kelley

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 03:28:49 +0000

A friend-of-a-friend was turning 40 this weekend, and I got recruited by her husband to make a cake for her surprise party. He told me that he tasted the cake I made for my friend’s daughter (the Tinkerbell’s Teapot cake) – OVER A YEAR AGO – and remembered it when he was thinking about throwing this party. What a compliment!

Anyhoo… his wife loves the beach and loves to read books by the author Jan Karon (ex: The Mitford Series). So, I tried to incorporate a little of both with the scene on this cake. Sparkling gel for the ocean water, sand made of Nilla wafer crumbs and brown sugar sifted together, beach accessories made of fondant, beach umbrella made of white chocolate covered in fondant, and a few gumpaste seashells.

Yep. That’s about it. I hear the cake was a big hit, everyone loved it (especially the birthday girl), and there were no leftovers. Always a good sign.

via: Creative Cakeworks

Turning 40 and Making a Difference by Tintin

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 03:18:05 +0000

As you read this, I would have achieved another milestone in life — turning 40! (on Oct. 30)

They say 40 is the new 30… or dare I say, the new 20? Joke lang. Age is just a number… And speaking of which, on Twitter (via @tintinbabao) I did a 40-day countdown to my birthday.

In these 40 days, I tried to do something each day… something which I haven’t done in my 40 years, something new and exciting. Also, I went back to doing some of the little simple things which I missed doing for the past years.

Does life really begin at this age?

Counting the days to my birthday, I find myself reflecting on life’s many blessings: Family, friends, work and dreams that have been realized. Even challenges and trials are all blessings.

Turning 40 makes writing this on my birthday month extra special. In the last decade or so of my life, two important things have shaped my decisions — being a parent and protecting the planet that is the source of this very life that I am thankful for.

Realizing how intertwined these two things are, I am motivated moreover to continue learning, talking and living my advocacies.

via Philstar.com

Turning 40 is Just another Birthday…not by Dante

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 04:57:00 +0000

Until my friend asked me if I’m having a crisis turning 40, I had not really thought about it. In fact, when asked, I told her, “It’s just another birthday.”

Well, my perception of turning 40 has kind of changed. I don’t know if she provoked something in me, but now that The Big 4-0 is less than 2 months away, I scramble to think of ways to celebrate it memorably.

I thought of booking a trip to Hawaii with my 1-yr old and my boyfriend. It sounded like a marvelous idea. Until reality set in–taking a 1-yr old is not exactly “packing lite.” It’s already a big production trying to do a weekend-getaway somewhere, think about a week in Hawaii from California!!?? So, I quickly brushed off that idea. Maybe it can be a Turning 50 celebration…

Then, I thought of getting myself something to remember this upcoming birthday by. And I mean, making a nice purchase just for me. I quickly came up with lots of ideas–but they were all just practical, everyday type of things–clothes, a new bed mattress, a makeover… They were not necessarily things for me to say, “Yes, that made my 40th birthday.” The post-it of this list is posted at my desk at home. I look at it everyday and countdown in my mind as the day draws nearer.

I asked my (same) friend what she did for her birthday. Did she get something memorable? Well, she got herself a Rolex. I saw the Rolex and well, it’s not really my style. I’m more of a Fossil watch kinda gal. Besides, with a 1-yr old, who am I to buy a Rolex??

So, other ideas came to mind–a professional digital camera, a new LCD TV, all things I can get from the local Best Buy electronics store. Then the thought nags me–do I “really” need these things? Or are they just additions to my existing electronic toys that I don’t use, but merely collect?

Needless to say, all this has made me more confused about what I want, rather than what I “need” to make my transition to a new decade a meaningful and memorable one.

Perhaps, I should just be content with the state of my life now. That perhaps, I don’t need anything materialistic to make my birthday memorable. That I can say, I made it to 40 and life’s as good as it is.

40’s is the new 20’s by Jose

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:52:50 +0000

No matter what I do life keeps getting better, like a pinball machine life keeps giving me extra points!

I am turning 40 on Saturday September 11, and after 40 years on this earth I believe I have had a great run, In the 80’s I had all the fun the a child of the 80’s could have. In the 90’s I spent some time in the NAVY and lived the life of a hippie/grungy kind of guy in Chicago. In the 2000’s I decided to give the professional life a try I did the 9 to 5 strait lace office work for about 13 years, (and got sick and tired of it) and about 2 years I decided to change careers and try something I always wanted.

I have to say being 40 have given me a new focus and peace that I did not have 20 years ago and it seems No matter what I do life keeps getting better, like a pinball machine life keeps giving me extra points!

Know I find myself happy in a relationship in a different par of the world, and even thought some people will think that I am a little late in the game to start a family I find myself feeling stronger and better than 20 years ago.

I guess it is true the 40’s is the new 20’s.

http://itcordis.com

Turning 40 Was a Blast by Eliza

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 03:16:49 +0000

I just thought I would share my experience of turning 40 as it is one of those milestones that we achieve with mixed feelings.

I decided to go in denial and took a mini sabbatical to Latin America to learn Spanish instead of having the big 40th birthday party with friends and family. I spent the initial part of the trip with a travel age of 35 thereby celebrating my “36th” birthday party in wine country at an asado with fellow travellers!

I think 40 gives you the confidence to try out new experiences such as a 50km bike ride in a gorge, scaling a precipice over a waterfall barefoot, socialising with fellow travellers a decade younger, being wined and dined by men a decade younger…

I have to say reaching 40 was a blast and perhaps I should not have been quite so in denial about the number. In any case, it can often be a catalyst for change and I certainly turned the experience into an adventure!

Needless to say I have not achieved the traditional benchmarks such as marriage and children and was able to take off on a whim..

I am 40. Hear me roar!

admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:51:24 +0000

No doldrums, no sadness, no longing for younger years for me. I refuse to turn 40 and wish I were 30 or 20 again. I am stronger and better and more beautiful now then ever before. Sure, I don’t have everytihng in my life I had hoped I would have by now…. But maybe all that is still to come or, more importantly, maybe I did not need those things anyway. I really do believe we are given what we need. So I’ll turn 40 with a week of celebrations, topped off by participating in my first half-marathon. I am 40. Hear me roar.

http://redlipstickrunner.wordpress.com

40th Birthday Party – 5 Popular Birthday Party Themes

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:49:59 +0000

Turning forty is not something that some people feel ecstatic about celebrating, once you get over the issues associated with age however you will soon find out that aging is not so bad after all. In fact, it is a good excuse to throw a fabulous and memorable party fit for you and your loved ones. The only challenge is that throwing and choosing among a number of 40th birthday party themes is not the same as throwing a party for your children or your relatives’ children.

An important factor to remember when choosing among the 40th birthday party themes is your personality and personal preferences (if it’s your birthday), or that of the birthday celebrant’s. There a number of popular 40th birthday party themes and some of them include:

1. Hawaiian Luau

This can be a really cool theme especially if you plan to throw a poolside party. Decorate the venue in a tropical or Hawaiian theme and ask your guests to come in luau attires.

2. Mardi Gras

Turn your party into a festive theme and give your guests an excuse to let their hair down. Serve some alcoholic beverages and give out some Mardi Gras necklaces and prepare games to be enjoyed by the adults!

3. Go Retro

Re-live flower power or the mod era and ask your guests to come in minis, bell bottoms or even hippie outfits. Play songs from popular bands from the era you wish to adopt as your theme and get ready to put out those dancing shoes!

4. NASCAR birthday bash

Party on the fast lane and feel your guests’ pulse race as you settle for this theme. Decorate the tables with checkered patterns, and watch some car racing on TV.

5. Celebrity or Hollywood-themed party

If you are the type to go for glitz and glamour then throw a more formal birthday bash and ask your guests to dress like celebrities. Make the party more exciting by asking everyone to dress-up like celebrity look-alikes, and enjoy as you see how far off they go to accomplish this feat. This can definitely be one of the more stylish 40th birthday party themes.

via 40th Birthday Party – 5 Popular Birthday Party Themes | Birthday Party Supplies Idea.

The weekend I hit Forty hard by Robin

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:14:01 +0000

Well I am forty now and a few days. I went out for Sushi liked I planned, but alas none of my friends showed up, kind of sad for me at least. Not to mention I had spent 3 hours mowing the yard on my birthday. I also have started to mow the yard of the abandoned house next door. Another neighbor has started to throw his beer bottles there. So after a few minutes of cleanup it was all done and looking great for the next week.

So my father called me Saturday and asked me to come by the house to help him. I headed over and spent a few hours helping him do a lot of little things. I thought it was strange, but family comes first. I headed back to my house. And noticed the inlaws were over. I also noticed a truck parked over at my Neighbors that looked like my buddies. Well My wife threw me a surprise birthday party. There was about 15 of my closet friends and family over. I do have a great wife and she really surprised me and made turning Forty a little easier.

Thanks to my sister in-law for making the cake.

via The weekend I hit Forty hard « Precious Metal: the blog.

Karla’s Cottage: 40 ways to say happy birthday

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:07:13 +0000

This morning, we celebrated a friend’s birthday with a brunch at my house. It was a simple meal, organic vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit salad, and Rhodes cinnamon rolls hot out of the the oven, with a birthday candle stuck in them.

Since she was turning 40, a group of her friends came up with 40 charms for me to make into a bracelet for her. We’ve done this for a couple of other pals in our circle on their 40th too.

See more beautiful jewelry at Karla’s Cottage: 40 ways to say happy birthday.

Pay It 40…a birthday gift to your favorite charity by Aimie

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:26:53 +0000

I think this is a great idea and want to help you exceed your goal Aimie!

via Random Thoughts: Pay It 40…a birthday gift to your favorite charity.

Some of you may know that next year I will turn 40. I don’t feel 40 and I don’t think I look 40, but the calendar tells me it’s true. I wanted to do something that wasn’t about me. I wanted to figure out a way to give back. I wanted to make a difference, even if it’s just a little one. I have a few friends that will be turning 40 soon as well. In order to make it less traumatic for us and a definite plus for somebody else, we came up with the “Pay It 40″ campaign. Sort of a play on the “pay it forward”.

I will create a new blog/website with links for all the charities. In the spirit of giving, I’d like to open up the Pay It 40 campaign to anybody who is turning 40 from November 1, 2009 to October 21, 2010. What you have to do is: 1 leave a comment here with your name and birthday, 2 chose your favorite charity if you know a link, post that as well and then when the new blog is up and running you can tell all your friends.Let me know if you have any questions. Please feel free to share this information with others. I would LOVE to have 40 people participate.

Another Turning 40 Blog by John

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:07:38 +0000

Hey all.

I was inspired by Forty @ 40 by Larry a few months back and decided to start my own blog about the journey. My big day is in October and you know what – I am actually excited about it. I am running my first marathon, am in the best shape of my life, have a wonderful wife and plans to explore so much more of the world. The blog experience has been great for reflection and looking forward. A great place to show the world my world.

I hope you’ll all visit me for a peek into my life at:

http://john-is-turning-40.blogspot.com/

Thanks.

John

Forty is where it all begins! by Joanne

admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 02:22:54 +0000

What a fabulous timely site. Bravo, to all you brave souls who have led the way and showed us that the big FOUR OH is to be embraced not feared.

Last night I officially started my Forty countdown with a celebration of my 40-2-40 Day!!
Yipee!!! 39 days to go!

It really is all about the journey and I have decided to turn the event of turning 40 into a journey on its own.

I am on a self rebuilding journey!
My goal.. to enter 40 stronger, leaner, healthier, wiser and more thankful than I ever was anytime in 30!

Today I kicked off my 40 day cleanse and am blogging it all @ http://www. yournaturalfoodcoach.blogspot.com

It is fabulous! Pop by and join me and lets start this new decade walking into all our dreams and destinies with wonderful expectation!

Forty is where it all begins!

http://yournaturalfoodcoach.blogspot.com

Forty @ 40 by Larry

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:20:54 +0000

I just turned 40 in March and started a photographic project to celebrate the occasion. Basically, I am creating a self-portrait every week for 40 weeks. The project is called “Forty@40″

http://www.lourceyphoto.com/4040project.html

If interested, you can follow along with the project/images on my blog:

www.lourceyphoto.com/blog

I’d love your feedback!!!

Random Acts of Kindness by Jenn

admin — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:53:32 +0000

Well, the secret is out! I am turning the big Four-Oh this summer. My goal is to have 40 random acts of kindness done over the month of July…one for every year I’ve been alive! So, think about what you can do to make a difference in someone’s life and then do it!!

There are lots of random acts of kindness ideas out there and, in case you’re not sure where to start, here’s a website you can visit for ideas! http://www.actsofkindness.org/

Thoughts On Forty by Greg

admin — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:35:16 +0000

Well yesterday, I officially turned 40 years old. Where most people who turn 40 react in differently, I am taking a different approach, for me. As many of my readers already know, I have had a plethora of medical problems in the middle and late part of my 30′s, so turning 40 was in mind a perhaps a chance to start anew. We’ll see how things play out this. I know I am facing two surgeries, one to replace to defibrillator and the other to a baclofen pump in to help me with my muscle spasticity.

I have a few other challenges and issues that need to be addressed in the coming months, mostly related to my cognitive impairments that I have been facing. I have been putting off (read, stalling) on calling the doctors to find out how I go about addressing some of issues that came up during my neuropsych testing in January. I need to address these but I want to get the pump surgery done first before I subject myself to more pain and suffering.

I am mostly trying to keep a positive outlook, at least on the outside, I still have my moments where I feel lousy, tired, and have general fatigue, but I persevere and plod through.

As for the fortieth festivities. Tuesday, my twin brother and I, along with our wives went to the Phillies/Reds game. We had great seats, and were surprised (well I sort of expected it), that the wives had arranged for us to have happy birthday sung to us, and our names were posted on the scoreboard. We also got a couple of nice hat’s, but most of all saw a great baseball game, the Phillies won 3-2.

The picture shown above, was what my office looked like when I walked in yesterday, compliments of my co-workers. I even had a set of beads that I had to wear all day that accentuated the fact that I did turn 40. We had a cake, and I got some funny cards, which are on display on my top shelf.

When I got home, I played some PlayStation with the boy until the Mrs got home, and I then proceeded to open my presents (two swimsuits, and four Phillies tickets), and birthday cards, then we had a nice simple dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs. Then the big treat, Carvel ice cream cake.

After that spent a nice relaxing evening at home, although I went to bed early as I was up late the night before…or I am getting old.

So far being 40 isn’t too bad, let’s see how the next ten years goes.

On Turning 40 by Wind The Frog

admin — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:24:46 +0000

On turning 40 (997)

Honestly, when I woke up this morning, I expected every bone in my body to creak from advanced arthritis or bone degeneration.

That didn’t happen.

Maybe a sudden and violent growth of hair from my ears and nose. Luxuriously gray no less.

Nope, that didn’t happen either.

Or even a complete lack of control of my bodily functions.

As much as I know this disappoints you, it didn’t happen either.

Every time I have a birthday I don’t normally expect anything to happen or to feel different. I turned 30 and worked myself into quite a hyper spaz attack over that. I got pretty drunk in Vegas on my 21st (and won $120 playing Blackjack). But otherwise, nothing. This one included.

I feel just as good today as I did yesterday. Actually, maybe better since I’m not as sore today as I was yesterday. Decided to skip the gym today in celebration, but I’ll be going again tomorrow for good measure.

So, I guess, it’s not really that big of a deal.

Thanks to everyone that wished me happy. While it wasn’t the greatest (that won’t be a story for another time), it definitely didn’t suck.

What’s next?

Man Rescues Little Girl to Celebrate his 40th Birthday

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:37:57 +0000

I just came across this story about the incredible way one man decided to mark his 40th birthday and I thought you might be interested.

James Spring, a man in San Diego, read about a little girl who had been kidnapped by her parents. The parents, who were wanted for murder, did not have custody of the child and had fled with her to Mexico. Mr. Spring decided to go to Mexico and save the little girl (and her baby sister) as a way of celebrating his 40th birthday!

Here’s a link to the story in The Santa Cruz Sentinel: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_8851661

All the best,

Andi

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