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Turning 40

So last Tuesday was the big day.  I turned 40.  Much like other birthdays, I didn't anticipate much of a celebration and wasn't looking forward to it any more than any other night out.  I just don't get "up" for these kinds of things.  People might be surprised to know, that despite my outgoing personality, I'm really not a party person.  I've always been more into sitting back, sipping some cocktails under a starry night than hitting a dance floor or some noisy festivities.  That being said, what started off as a few people coming out to say hello and have a drink turned into quite a nice gathering. 

Turning any age is a milestone in a sense.  Of course, we do seem to raise the bar on the importance of ones that recognize the passing of a decade.  I guess it makes sense.  I don't fit the bill of the typical 40 year old.  I'm not married, nor have I been divorced.  I don't own any property, nor do I really want to.  I live alone, in a small apartment and I'm happy there.  I'm content there.  Many see this as laziness and to be honest, I can't say I don't somewhat disagree.  Mail, magazines and clothing frequently cover the landscape I call my floor.  Books and Cd's piled high on a computer desk that houses a broken computer.  My walls are bare of any "art" that I might have decorated to seem intellectual or even interesting.  My bed is so close to my oven that I joke about making breakfast from bed.  The reality is, sure I would like more space, but I'm not willing to pay for it. I have the necessary essentials.  Does one really need to always have more to be happy?

Drinks flowed, as did the laughter the night of the big day.  A handful of people got me some very thoughtful gifts.  Some funny, some useful and some just adding to my already crazed thirst.  People I've know for many years and some for only a few came out to wish their best.  We drank, talked, laughed and just enjoyed each others company.  There were not whispers of this and that. That's not what I'd want.  People called me old...joked about odds and ends.  It was a fun time.  It was what I wanted.  Nothing too crazy.  I was a little late to work the next day, but only an hour.  I had assumed the time would be much greater.  Somewhat responsible in my elder years?  Maybe.

The most touching thing this day was the sheer volume of well wishers.  While I didn't keep an exact count, I did notice that my texts reached 165 that day.  More followed the next day with belated wishes.  My e-mails were also through the roof and ironically the least number of wishes came by telephone.  My own brother has yet to call me, one week later.  Go figure. 

I do not feel any different, nor do I think I should. I want to thank all of those who made it.  All of those who took the time to wish me well.  And all of those who remembered, even if it was a day or two late.  It meant a lot to know that in some way or another I mattered at some point in that many people's lives.  I am horrible at remembering birthdays.  Facebook has helped, but not completely.  I still sometimes forget.  I hope that all of you who took the time to show me some affection on that day, realize that I appreciated it so much.  Thanks to everyone!

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