anigo | The Big Four-Zero

Yesterday I turned 40. I planned on posting a big long post yesterday. An ode to 40 so to speak, but I didn't get to it, so instead here's my ode-lite.

I had a great day. Coffee in bed. Put up the Christmas lights outside. A little bit of shopping just for the hell of it, without a shite load of other shoppers for some bizzare reason. Dinner with the family at a great little Irish Pub type restaurant. And some very nice presents, including a diamond anniversary band from Dick. (Which shocked the hell out of me, let me tell you.)*

So now I am 40. Which, in some circles, is considered grown up. Even old. But yanno what? I feel better and younger than I think I ever have. I'm in better shape physically. I'm in better shape mentally. I'm in better shape financially. I have friends who love me. I have a husband and daughter who are good to me and I'm better able to handle the rest of the family that drives me nuts. It almost feels like I've reached a peace plateau. I've arrived.

Sure, I still want to have the caveat that I'm allowed to feel fat, and whine, and get mad at Dick every once in a while, but all in all, 40 is good. I'm happy. Life is good.

Bring on the next 40 years!!

*I actually knew what it was when I opened the present, as I picked it out a couple of days before, however, having him haul me into a jewlery store and say "I know you wanted a ring, but I can't remember which one... show me so I can buy it for you" is SO out of character it's not even funny. And a birthday present of more than $50 cash value is unheard of. The really fun part was knowing what it was, and having him tell The Kid what he got for me, and watching her expressions as she thought I *didn't* know... and then watching her whisper it to all of my family as they arrived for dinner, and then watching *their* expressions. That was the best part. Actually, no, the ring is the best part. But the expressions were fun anyway.