After a uniquely crummy 39th summer in 2013, I have a few thoughts about this psychological waypoint in my life…

-I have breathed air on this planet for approximately 14,600 days, 350,400 hours, and some odd 21 million minutes. -The words “middle-aged” now invite a whole new concept in my head. -Suddenly I am placing my glasses on my head & squinting at the fine-print. -I don’t care what people think. Not that I ever gave a shit what other people think, but now I really don’t care or get embarrassed by much. -My 20s flew by and all my stupid mistakes and behaviors are now stories I tell. -I did all my stupid stuff before the Internet. Take that Millennial generation. -My 30s — where the hell did they go? How do I slow down this ride?! -My back hurts. -My Chuck Taylors that I wore on and off for the past 35 years may be causing flat feet. I need to find out how Chris Cannon and Eric Neal survived this. Speaking of shoes…I have shoes older than some people I know. -Women under 35 address you as “sir” or “mister”. -This is when they aren’t looking through you. Single or not, you no longer got game. -I actually read my 401k statements now. -Stretching is something you now do whether you’re going to exercise or not. -Speaking of stretching, my back hurts. -Doctor’s give you crazy drugs when you’re 40. Statins: yuck! Tramadol: ooohh! -You actually DO care about your lawn now. -I have actually stopped taking my health for granted and, as a result, may be on track to being in the best shape of my life. Irony. -Speaking of irony, clothes I wore in high school are now worn by Hipsters. -I stopped thinking that I can, or should, change anyone’s mind about anything. -My back really does hurt. I wish I were kidding. -I feel more fortunate to have accumulated good friends in my lifetime. A beer with good friends is more interesting to me than anything else. -I turn down the stereo more than I turn it up. -I have absolutely no clue what is on TV these days. -It’s a known fact that accumulating birthdays will one day result in death — eventually you don’t feel like counting them. Or making lists like this. Do it anyway.

Here’s to 40, and whatever the next decade brings…

Originally published at julianwest.me on September 6, 2013.