Monday, December 09, 2013

Monday Morning Stories With Mookie - Episode 96

The Time Mookie Turned 40 Years Old

I don't really have much for you today, but I thought that I should share that later this week -

I'm turning 40 years old.
40! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ahhh!

Up until now I hadn't thought about it too much, mainly because I don't make a big deal out of birthdays. I don't mind people wishing me Happy Birthday, but I don't like it when people make a production out of it. I have to admit that I'm a little concerned about what some of the people I work with are going to do because they know its my 40th. My wife is also rather devious sometimes, and is liable to do something to rattle my cage. She mentioned something once upon a time about "hijacking" my website here, but I don't know if she's still planning that. Its not like I leave the "keys in the ignition" here, but if she wanted to do it I'm sure she could figure it out. Hopefully she isn't planning a "surprise" party like she did for my 30th. I will tell that story some day, as it is both funny and made me look like a jackass.

But as the day approaches here this week - I have found myself thinking about my birthday more and more for some reason. Not in a "Oh woe is me I'm getting old" sort of way though (even though it feels that way a lot of days). Its been more like a "Wow I've seen and done a lot of stuff in 40 years."

I've been lots of places, and seen/done so many things that I never imagined I'd get to do in life. The scary part is (hopefully) my life is only about half over - so the idea that another 40 years of memories and events probably lies in store is a little overwhelming when I think about it. Obviously not all of it will be great - because not everything is - but I hope I can make the most of what I have and continue to learn from the things that do not go well.

But then there are the things that make it great. I have a beautiful and wonderful wife, two great kids, wonderfully awesome parents, two bad ass sisters (and their huge families), and a batch of great friends that keep me laughing, keep me humble, and most of all...they love me. Some days I don't know why....but they do - and I am grateful and thankful they are all in my life.

So today's Monday Morning Story story isn't really a story, but I guess its more of a "40-Year victory lap." Needless to say a lot of people have helped me "make it" to 40, and I want to thank them all.

However, in classic Monday Morning Story fashion - I will "give" you something to think about, and leave you with a few nuggets of wisdom some wise people have told me over the years.  They make me smile, and help me get through each and every day. They are definitely words to live by - or maybe not. Maybe they are just words.  But perhaps you can find something of value in them too.

My friend Rick handed me this nugget when I was complaining of being financially poor:
Me:  "I’m worth more dead that I am alive."
Rick: "Now Mookie, don't say that. You can't put a price on being a father, a life-companion, or even sex.  Because truth be told Mookie - I've been told you are worth a lot in the bedroom. If you know what I mean."

My father explaining the finer points of household spices:
"Sugar is sweet. Pepper is not."

And finally the thing my grandfather always said to me whenever I left his house, and was even the last thing he said to me before he died:
"Be careful." 

There you go.  Have a good one ladies and gentlemen. I know I will.


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