Over 40 thread

[LeanneP]

Damn Tater!  Those look comfy! 

I frakked up my right foot this summer from wearing cheap flats (think ballet flats as opposed to "not high heels") and I am in near constant pain or discomfort. I would totally buy those shoes right now!

Vespa, your overweight French woman and my fat Irish housewife make us a veritable UN up in here!

Also, wtf is with face hair on old girls?!  I swear, if I didn't pluck those damned things I'd have one of those hipster Amish beards.

[jones]

*pokes head in*

This thread smells funny.

*slams door*

[Taterbug]

*pokes head in*

This thread smells funny.

*slams door*

    It's a combo of Old Spice, Ben Gay & Incense to hide the smell of weed and cats, come on back in so you can rub my feet and work on my bunions.

[iLikeBeer]

*pokes head in*

This thread smells funny.

*slams door*

    It's a combo of Old Spice, Ben Gay & Incense to hide the smell of weed and cats, come on back in so you can rub my feet and work on my bunions.

I'm partial to Brut and Aqua Velva myself... 

[Taterbug]

*pokes head in*

This thread smells funny.

*slams door*

    It's a combo of Old Spice, Ben Gay & Incense to hide the smell of weed and cats, come on back in so you can rub my feet and work on my bunions.

I'm partial to Brut and Aqua Velva myself... 

I have a half of a bottle of Aqua Velva aftershave that if I used it I would  have to change my facebook profile to single.

[Haldon]

As someone who is turning 30 in less than two months I'm really enjoying reading this thread.
I'm jealous of those who are keeping their hair, as mine seems to keep disappearing down the shower drain each morning...along with going grey day after day

I'm still at a point in my life where I'm searching for "it" and wondering if I'll ever find "it."  So knowing that there's others out there who haven't found "it" but are quite happy is pleasing to hear.

I keep hearing "your 30s will be the best years of your life," and I'm certainly hoping so. 
As long as I'm as cool as all of you when I get to my 40s, then I'll consider my first 40 or so years well spent.

[LeanneP]

*puts on wise old sage hat*

*takes off wise old sage hat, puts on WILD old sage hat instead*

I spent my whole life searching for it and I find that if you are continually searching for it you will never find it. That's the way it all works. 

Instead, focus on what excites you right this very moment and do that. Do it till you do it really well. And then listen to what your gut tells you the next exciting thing is and do that.  I guarantee that tho you may not find great wealth this way, you may find happiness and fulfillment this way, which will make you richer than you could possibly imagine.

OK, I'll stop being a twat now 

[Crispy]

I usually have to do the math now when someone asks how old I am. I am...43, yeah, 43.

I love being bald, I cut my own hair, and I don't have to worry about how it looks! Half of my hair (beard too) is gray, but I don't care. Oy, the hair on the ears, though!

I don't get carded a whole bunch, but I live in a college town, where most places card EVERYBODY.

My work is way less stressful now than 10 years ago, and I do get to fly and drive all over the country to see shows or whatever the hell else I want to do.

Count me among those who are in better shape now than they were in their 30s, though it's fallen off a bit after the Turning-40-Shaping-Up blitz. I do a lot of yoga and run a little. My back gets a little sore if I don't sleep on my side. I can pee for about half an hour.

I feel good.

[Tracy 2112]

Young@Heart - Schizophrenia

[Ob1jacobe]

This thread has been great.  I pictured most of you much younger than me.  I turn 40 in a few months

Pros:
Most comfortable in who I am
Awesome family in great place
Staying fit
More secure professionally
Experience
14 year easy marriage

Cons
Hairy man and getting more so each day
Carpal tunnel -  I thought this was a made up ailment but it sucks
Back pain
Grey hair -  daughter told me she loves my hair color, black & white
Effort keeping weight off

My concert buddy is my older brother.  We were talking about how our generation seems to stay younger mentally than previous.  Feels like we keep up with music, tech, pop culture, tv etc way more than our dad did. 

[ms. yvon]

this is the first time i've seen this thread: you kids are hilarious!

something i love about getting older: gaining perspective.  unexpected and wonderful.

i've been single for the last 9 years and when i passed 40 my mom finally stopped bugging me to have kids.  still bothers her that i am single.  she doesn't understand that i enjoy being alone.

unlike most of you i'm in the crummiest shape i've ever been in.  it's gotten really weird in the last year or so.

it's 9:30 pm.  i'm going to crash a poker party at the home of some older-childless friends and bring some knitting. RAGER! 

[lucylew]

Best thing about getting older - I have confidence that I never had in my younger years.  Mainly because I don't place any importance on what people that I don't care about think (or don't think) about me.  Sounds simple now, not so simple years or decades ago.

[Jaimoe]

Best thing about getting older - I have confidence that I never had in my younger years.  Mainly because I don't place any importance on what people that I don't care about think (or don't think) about me.  Sounds simple now, not so simple years or decades ago.

I know exactly what you mean. Actually, when I was younger, even into my early 30s, I was shy and more of a follower. Now I tell people what I think, get up in faces and don't give a fuck if I offend, as long as I think I'm right - or at least being sensible. I also like someone with opinions. Those that are complacent or "I don't know, I like everything and don't like getting involved" can go away.

I don't like this about me, but I was single until 31. I was never a player or a man whore - I haaaate those assholes. I was simply always looking for Miss Right and didn't think it was fair and honest to play the field because I know I'm a good catch. I must say shy and overly selective made for a pretty frustrating early life, but it did pay off in the long run since I met my wife and first true girlfriend 12 years ago. Late bloomers are more interesting anyway, right? As I always say, I'm a work in progress. Finished products are boring.

[Ruckus]

I know exactly what you mean. Actually, when I was younger, even into my early 30s, I was shy and more of a follower. Now I tell people what I think, get up in faces and don't give a fuck if I offend, as long as I think I'm right - or at least being sensible. I also like someone with opinions. Those that are complacent or "I don't know, I like everything and don't like getting involved" can go away.

But I thought you were infatuated with Japanese culture.

[iLikeBeer]

I don't like this about me, but I was single until 31. I was never a player or a man whore - I haaaate those assholes. I was simply always looking for Miss Right and didn't think it was fair and honest to play the field because I know I'm a good catch. I must say shy and overly selective made for a pretty frustrating early life, but it did pay off in the long run since I met my wife and first true girlfriend 12 years ago. Late bloomers are more interesting anyway, right? As I always say, I'm a work in progress. Finished products are boring.

Your story sounds very similar to mine Jaimoe!   

I got married when I was 30 and it was much to do with the fact that I was extremely picky in looking for Mrs. Right.  I had a couple of serious relationships when I was in college, but nothing serious between when I graduated college and when I started dating my wife.

I too was shy and I'm sure this played a role in things, but all in all, I just didn't want to settle on someone just to finally get married and start a family.  And I'm extremely happy I didn't settle because I've been happily married for 12 years now and it's been almost 14 wonderful years total spent with my wonderful wife!   

[crazylove]

Let me add my 20+ years over 40 perspective to all you youngin's posts.
It's true, when you get to be a certain age, you just don't give a rat's ass about what you say; in public; to anyone; at anytime! (of course, I've never had a problem with shyness!)
You realize that getting into bed is just as easy as it was in your twenties( )but getting out is a whole different story.  It takes a while to warm up those joints(and not the kind you think, Tater)
Working out and Exercise?  I think about it all the time, but it just seems like so much work!
Who is that old lady looking back at me in the mirror?  My heart and my mind keep telling me I'm 21, so why does that stupid mirror lie to me like that?
Love never fades. TEO and I are celebrating 25 years in February. He is still the man of my dreams.  And he gets better looking every day. Even with his snow white stache!(very not fair)
The joy I get from my kids and grandkids never ceases to amaze me(I do get mad at them from time to time, but come on, they do have my annoying bossy gene).  My 14 year old granddaughter and I have our own secret language, love to go shopping and she makes me laugh like I'm still 14. My grandsons ALWAYS have my back,( so don't even think about messing with me!)   And,At least I'm still cool to them!
The kids think we are "somewhat" strange in our taste in music and that we hang out with people half our age and younger.
I've paid the price to get where I am today. I have a job I love as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for 2 small towns in our township.  Pretty much come and go when I please and plan parties(members luncheons, etc) with people I like, but don't have to socialize with outside of work!  Of course, unless I want too!
And much like everyone else on here has said, I've met some of the best people ever through our mutual love of MMJ.  I guess it's true, religion brings you closer together.
All this talk about finding IT and knowing yourself!  I don't think I will ever come to realize either, fully!(no  pun intended, Beth)   I'm continuing to grow, still looking for IT, finding myself and all that crap.  If I find it, I'll let you know! I'm just not sure I ever want to stop the search!
I hope I'm still here and posting when all of you turn 60!  Geesh, that will make me 80 something, but I'm sure I will still want to hear all of you youngins' take on getting older!
Believe me, it ain't all fun and games, but I wouldn't want to be anyplace else in my life, I MIGHT change a few things, but for the most part, I still want to be me! 

[e_wind]

I don't like this about me, but I was single until 31. I was never a player or a man whore - I haaaate those assholes. I was simply always looking for Miss Right and didn't think it was fair and honest to play the field because I know I'm a good catch. I must say shy and overly selective made for a pretty frustrating early life, but it did pay off in the long run since I met my wife and first true girlfriend 12 years ago. Late bloomers are more interesting anyway, right? As I always say, I'm a work in progress. Finished products are boring.

Your story sounds very similar to mine Jaimoe!   

I got married when I was 30 and it was much to do with the fact that I was extremely picky in looking for Mrs. Right.  I had a couple of serious relationships when I was in college, but nothing serious between when I graduated college and when I started dating my wife.

I too was shy and I'm sure this played a role in things, but all in all, I just didn't want to settle on someone just to finally get married and start a family.  And I'm extremely happy I didn't settle because I've been happily married for 12 years now and it's been almost 14 wonderful years total spent with my wonderful wife!   

I enjoy reading these, because they're me 100%. I always find myself strange because Im the only one of all my friends that isn't going to bars to find some sleezy pay. I wouldn't say Im shy, even. I would say that I just don't really give shit about putting in so much work to "play the field". At the same time, I'm in a 3-year relationship right now. Recently I've realized that this ain't the relationship that will always be, and it's because I'm incredibly picky. She's a fantastic human, but just not for me anymore. But, I love my pickiness because I rarely settle in any aspect of life. I plan on being unmarried through out my 20s. I have too much going on that I love by myself, like school, traveling for MMJ, bettering my self in general, etc.


I'm not over 40 (I'm barely over half way there), but this is a good thread.

[Jaimoe]

On a related not-shy-anymore note, I get more compliments from my female friends and some of their friends than I ever did when I was younger. Perhaps I wasn't noticing girls looking my way back then. Anyway, I think if you have confidence, you'll attract more attention. Being fitter than when I was at 23 certainly helps though.

[Sassbox]

Very big birthday coming up for me this year. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I think I hit my stride around 40 and I'm in full on sprint mode now 

[mahg33ta]

I'm fitter at 44 than I was at 34; tougher too. Age is just a number, but many get old in their late 20s, which is pathetic.

This.

I'll be 44 in about three weeks (NYE, the 2008 MSG show was my 40th birthday present to myself).  I am certainly in the best shape of my life, and I'd like to think I am in the best place I have ever been mentally/psychologically as well.  Of course that's assuming you place a high value on retaining a youthful carefree outlook about life.

It's a bit easier for me though, as my wife and I never had children, choosing instead to remain somewhat selfishly childlike ourselves.  I really respect those that have children and chose the more typically responsible route, with it's attendant responsibilities, and remain youthful and changeable.  Too many I think, whether with regard to music, or any other definable position, become set in what they concluded in their 20s or 30s, and never adjust those beliefs or preferences - despite new information.

I am happily very different than I was in my 20s, and very different than I was in my 30s, I try to always be growing.  It keeps life fresh and interesting, and makes getting older - as many have said, just a number.

This is just heartbreaking to read