They said it couldn't happen here. But it did! The halcyon days of youth are now behind me (heh) and the full mantle of adulthood must now be assumed. Am I bitter? Sure. I mean you can be a youthful-looking fellow "in your 30s" and people still think you are a youngster, but a young-looking 40 is still 40.
OK actually I'm joking, I don't really have an issue with turning 40. It's weird, for sure. To me 40 is my uncle's bawdy 40th birthday party and the bounty of boob-related gag gifts he received (I vividly remember a pillowcase with a photograph of a woman's breasticles screened on it, very traumatizing for a pre-teen faglet). It's "wow, 40." Not for other people, of course, just me.
I still look pretty good for 40, though.But it does kind of feel like I have to take a few things more seriously. When I turned 35 I made some decisions - changing up the career, moving from Ann Arbor to Detroit - and I set 40 as the next milestone. And that's actually been part of the reason for my break in writing here, I've been spending some time reviewing the situation. Well, and working like a dawg on my paying gig. 40 may be an arbitrary review date, but you must agree the timing is good.
A group of my wonderful friends surprised me with a trip to NYC for the weekend - those are seriously good friends - and it was just what this haggard soul needed. A chic little hotel, lots of cocktails, restaurant and bar interiors that actually show some thoughtful design, and laughs and laughs and laughs with old friends.
I didn't return with an urge to flee to New York, but I did come back with a resolve to get the fun back into my life. Not just in the free time, but work used to be fun, and blogging used to be such a joy. I honestly have no idea what is involved with that but I am sure there is a solution that will fix absolutely everything. (To pre-empt questions: I have no immediate plans to leave Detroit and I am reasonably sure I will continue to write this blog. For better or for worse.)
OK enough reflection. Let me leave you today with a pearl of wisdom gleaned from my many years of experience on this earth. To thank you for being a Supergay Detroit reader, I won't even charge you for it.
Moisturize. You can't start too early.
.
11 comments:
Happy Birthday, S.G., from one of your big fans! My worst birthday was 25, believe it or not. My school friends took me out for lunch, got me tipsy, and I headed back to work for a totally unproductive afternoon. Such fun! 21 years later, I no longer drink like that and I guess I look okay for my age. So, my friend, just remember, with age comes experience. Youngsters will seek out your wisdom, and you can tell them, back in the day when I was your age...
Happy Birthday! Must have been a rash of awesome riding the Y chromosomes right around the end of May 1969 because my husband turned 40 the day before you did and another friend turned a few days before. To 40 more!
Happy 40th SG!
I have to agree with Julie... 25 was the worst. 40 was a breeze. Maybe that's because I started moisturizing so early.
Forty?! Hummmph. Mere chicken.
;-) Backintheday.
Thanks for the birthday salutations kids! Julie, your 25th birthday sounds like my Wednesday!
Amyinmotown, is it just nuts or what? It's because a lot of moms sat leg-crossed until they could have Geminis, I guess.
Backintheday ... why do you think I love visiting Palm Springs??
Anonymous ... just keep up the moisturizing. I'm off to do some myself.
Besos!
Who you kidding? You've been assuming adult mantles for the past 25 years.
-Douglas
Legs crossed? I don't think mine ever were! :) Salud to the Geminis...both of them in my life! Oh, and did you know that Geminis are considered a "masculine", positive (extrovert) sign? Could that be you? Happy Birthday to one of my faves.
Douglas stop making me twitch.
Anonymous #2, most people think of me as introverted and shy, but I am going to cut-and-paste your comment into my Manhunt profile immediately!
Happy Birthday! I have many friends in their early 40s that I could swear aren't much older than me (late 20s). Then, I have friends in their 20s that just seem so OLD. Maybe the second set needs more moisturizer...
Good to have you pop up on my RSS feed again!
Sorry I was a bit behind on catching your birthday. I hope it was a super one, we'll I am sure it was knowing you. Anyway, enjoy, and i'll be sure to buy you a drink when I return to Detroit and see you out and about.
You were in NYC and you didn't look me up? Shame on you! Hope you had a Happy B-day and to see you at my book signing this coming Thursday 6/18 at B & N in RO, 6:30 pm.
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