40

I turned forty a couple of weeks ago. Now that I've adjusted to the idea, I have this to report about being out of my thirties.

40 Things About Being 40

1. I live with my best friend.
2. I am in love.
3. My kids are funny and smart and a blast to hang out with.
4. I love my job.
5. I think I really have something to teach my students.
6. I have never cared less about what other people think of me.
7. I have to get up in the middle of the night to pee.
8. I am really, really educated.
9. There's so much I don't know.
10. I'm saved by the grace of God.
11. I finally think I know what "saved" means.
12. I will never have more babies.
13. I don't know how to flat iron my hair and will never learn.
14. I'm old enough for eighties fashion to have become cool again
15. I'm not too old to like cool new music.
16. I remember when we got our first microwave oven.
17. I remember when there were no personal computers.
18. I remember when there were only three channels on TV.
19. I remember when we had rotary telephone dials.
20. I get to hang out with artists for a living.
21. I make art.
22. I don't work in a cubicle.
23. I finally bought myself the dog I want.
24. I still haven't bought myself the car I want.
25. I have some gray hair.
26. I don't have wrinkles.
27. I can't remember the last time I drank alcohol.
28. I was absolutely right about how little math I would need to be a functioning adult.
29. I'm becoming lactose intolerant.
30. I can be deeply patient with people I love.
31. I can feel sincere compassion and love for people I meet.
32. I have less of a sweet tooth than I used to.
33. I hate Wal-Mart.
34. I can light a charcoal grill fire.
35. I can mow the yard.
36. I cannot change a tire.
37. My 16 year old is way cooler than I was at 16.
38. I am way cooler than the 40 year olds I knew when I was 16.
39. I don't think my personal coolness has yet peaked.
40. I am full of hope.