In Stephen King’s short story, “The End of the Whole Mess,” a pair of brothers get into a whole bunch of trouble, taking the world with them, by trying to solve the international strife gripping the globe.
One very smart brother comes across a breakthrough, LaPlata water, which renders even the most hostile of people docile. Little do they know, the effects also bring on Alzheimer’s disease, mental retardation, and premature senility.
I haven’t had THAT Cool Aid yet. So, I’m not there.
But I am 40 today. I’m not sure if that means it’s an end to youth or a beginning to maturity. I still feel 18. Sadly, when I talked to my dad about 40 a few weeks ago he said he still feels 18, too. He’s 71.
Of course, there are the aches and pains associated with a body that feels 40. But the mind is still fresh. It’s actually better than it was when I was 18, ’cause it’s chock full of experience and schoolin’.
Well, I say it’s better. You might get an argument from some.
No big parties. No special treatment. Just a quiet slide into a new decade.
Life as we know it. Right?
Some strange parallels:
- Susan is seven years older than I
- My parents were married seven years before they had me
- My parents were married on the 17th day of the month (May), and I was born on the 17th
- Others born today include: Sean Penn, Robert De Niro, Maureen O’Hara, Mae West and, lest we forget, Davy Crockett
12 Comments
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETIE!!
Happy Birthday, Herb!! Those parallels are rather uncanny. Hope you have a day that’s just 1/2 as good as you because that would be a GREAT DAY!
Oh, one more thing. I’m not really a Stephen King fan, but that story sounds rather interesting!
Thanks for the wishes. I wish I hadn’t eaten all that chocolate cake, though.
Happy Birthday, Herb!
As a belated (yet still pretty lame) gift, I’m adding you to my blogroll – an oversight on my part I corrected as soon as I noticed. Happy 40th! I’m only 17 months behind you!
Happy Birthday, sweetie! You’ve still got it!
Herb,
Happy, happy birthday!! I agree.. I still feel 18, but waay better, because my brain is better.. and the aches and pains.. ah, well, you have to give up something for all that wisdom!
Some interesting parallels from my life:
Aja’s Birthday 10-10
Erik’s Birthday 9-11
Both numbers add up to 20.. and the total span of my childbearing span…10 years x 2 kids =20.. kinda freaky.
Not to mention that Susie and I were born on the same day exactly 4 years apart!
According to numerology, your personal number is obtained by adding all the numbers of your birthday together. You keep adding the number together until they reduce to a single digit – Susan’s number is 7!
OK, one more and I’ll quit.. according to the same numerology, my number is 3, Aja’s is 4, and Erik’s is 5!! kinda fun, huh?
Anyway, happy birthday .. we love you!
Anna
Happy birthday, my friend! And as many more as you can stand.
Anna,
I may need your help. Mega Millions is at $72 million!
Lens,
Thanks for the b-day wishes. I’ve added you to my links list, too, also an oversight. I’m having trouble keeping up with all the blogs around town now!
Herb, a belated Happy Birthday. Eat well, exercise and laugh at yourself. Thanks for memories…you have to hum the song.
Happy happy late birthday Herb! And by the way, I read way more 40 year olds’ blogs than I do 18 year olds’. That says something, doesn’t it?