I always used to say that your age was just a number. Of course, that was before my own age became a big number. Today I turn 40. Which, to many, means I am 'old'. Like most people (ok, men) I know, I spent the last week or so fretting over turning 40. I spent a lot of time dwelling on what I have wanted to do, but have not; things I had hoped to accomplish, but fell short.
It was not until a recent IM conversation with a friend of mine that I realized I was going about it the wrong way. I should not be dwelling on what I have not accomplished, rather embracing that which I have. So, with that in mind, I tried to come up with a list of all the things I have done in my life, rather than those I have not. And, because you are a faithful reader, you get to see my list. This is in no particular order, other than how it came to my mind.
- I married my best friend
- I have been to the Parthenon
- I have been to Spain
- I was the 'king' of the circus (I was 10 or so)
- I used to do stand up comedy
- I have delivered 3 babies (1 even has 'Scott' as his middle name)
- I have gone hang gliding
- I have saved someone's life
- I have had 2 successful careers
- I have flown in a helicopter
- I have a somewhat popular blog
- I have visited the White House
- I have gone bungee jumping
- I have played golf at the Old Course
- I have seen the birth of both of my children
- I tried out for Jeopardy
- I have seen Tiger Woods play golf in person
- I have seen Wayne Gretzky play hockey in person
- I have been to Yankee Stadium (numerous times)
- I have taken my kids to Yankee Stadium
- I have taken my kids to Disney
- I have met Bruce Springsteen
- I have met Leonard Marshall (true Giants fans will know who this is)
- I have seen my favorite football team win 3 Super Bowls
- I have seen my favorite football team lose a Super Bowl
- I have been to a Giants palyoff game
- I have been to a Yankees playoff game
- I voted for Ross Perot
- I have been on TV
- I have been in the newspaper
- I was at 'ground zero' after 9/11
- I have played golf in 4 different countries
- I have written an article for a magazine
- I bought a house on a golf course
- I have had 2 eagles in one round of golf (on a course I never played)
- Did I mention I married my best friend? If so, its worth mentioning again
Keep in mind this list is by no means all encompassing, but more to help me appreciate all the things I have accomplished in my life, rather than to dwell on those I have not.
14 comments
so... you went to the white house *and* you've been in the paper. excuse me while i whip this out...
http://charlie.griefer.com/whitehouse.jpg
happy 40th, man.
Focussing on what you got is a good approach. And looking at your list, I could have done worse. ;-)
All the best to you, have a great day!
I am sure there's a good story behind the 3rd child...
I'm a few years off 40 and am panicing at the prospect. Now I feel worse because I haven't saved a life or delivered 3 kids! (Were they yours or are you a doctor?). Anyway, enjoy your birthday and look forward to all the great things you can do in the next 40 years! Best wishes!
Happy birthday ya old git.
Happy Birthday. I baked you a cake and it was good.
@Charlie - that fake article was the bomb! LOL - I couldn't breathe there for a minute or two - good show!