A Pirate Looks At 40

Puhleese...Keanu! (previous post)

I guess every milestone birthday comes with either excitement or pondering over one's life.


16-the excitement is the drivers license and the "freedom" you now have behind the wheel.

18-you can vote, and declare yourself elegible for selective service. Of course the alternative is no job or student loans. The gov't really got us there.

21-you are now an "adult", but you don't feel like one. For the most part, noone really takes you seriously. In our gang, the birthday person was presented with a sweet pair of Ferris Bueller leopard print boxers. I love traditions.

25-your car insurance rates go down. Mine was pretty uneventful, except I had 3 cars at the time. I do remember my insurance rates going down by half. I also remember my buddy, Todd. He hit a serious funk at 25, declaring he was old, and nobody (ie: the mythical hot chick that loves sports) wants an old fart like him. It's a good thing he found his sports-loving, hot chick in Atlanta.

30-this is where I began to doubt my stature and accomplishments in life. It wasn't pleasant for a few weeks. At that point my craving was to be in Colorado. I had a true love for G, but I seriously lacked confidence. My 30's were a fertile ground for growing and stretching in many ways. Especially my waistline. As I close out my 30's, my life is good. My heart burns love for G and Benny. Many friends are still close after all these years.

About 10 years ago, I was climbing Mt Elbert, and started talking to a guy that was celebrating his 40th birthday with a climb to the top. At that point, this is what I wanted to do for my 40th. So here I sit at my desk on 40-eve, with no shoes and socks. I'm not going to accomplish that tomorrow-but there is this summer. I will summit a peak in that spirit this summer. Tomorrow is even better than a day in the mountains. It's a day with Benny. Maybe I'll go to the local ski area and summit the hill with Benny.

Forget what they say about 40 being the new 30. 40 is what it is. 40 is a great number-but that's all it is. A numerical representation of how long it has been since my mother was in a great deal of labor pain. Are there areas I need to work on in my life. Sure. This is the case for everyone, at any age. Am I "where I want to be"? In the Big Picture-yes. Never mind the fuzzy details. I have a great family. I was raised by good parents. I have great sisters. I have great In-laws. I have wonderful friends. God is blessing my business. My waist size is 34, I don't have liver spots, and I don't suffer from the maladies I see on those stupid pharmacological commercials-yet. Of course my hot wife still doesn't like sports.

It's been a good ride so far. I think I'll turn in and listen to some Buffett-probably "A Pirate Looks At 40". Some things will never change-no matter how old you are.