Skip to main content

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today, I turn 40 years old! Hard to believe although I have to say that I don't really feel any older. I'm still in school (albeit on the instructor's side of the desk), I'm still pretty thin, I still have all of my hair (no grey yet, but much shorter than in the old "heavy metal days"), and I still play with toy soldiers -- but not Legos! Hmmm, no wonder I still feel as if I'm about 17!

I don't exactly feel like Ward Cleaver yet ( ". . . and Jerry Mathers as the Beaver"). Still, it's interesting to be at the midpoint of one's life -- technically middle-age -- where there is supposed to be all sorts of taking stock. Where I've been. Where I'm going. . . in the little time left. Stuff like that.

My wife and I had dinner with another couple we are friendly with Saturday evening. The subject of my birthday came up. I joked that we would celebrate as usual, but that afterwards, much like a wounded animal, I'd retreat to a quiet place in the woods to die!

Dark sense of humor aside, I think this is a good age. The foibles, faults, and rash decisions (not too many) of my teens, 20s, and early 30s are well behind me (hopefully). Sonja and I are married. . . finally! Personally and professionally, I'm doing things I enjoy with people I enjoy. And my commercial writing consultancy is growing little by little. All we need is a bit more dependable snowfall this winter here in central Illinois for cross-country skiing, and life would be pretty close to perfect! Come to think of it, if I could just find another 3-6 hours in each day for painting soldiers, life would be perfect.

On that final note, there is a bit of cruel irony in today. Athough it's my birthday, I doubt that there will be time to spend working on my soldiers after dinner, gifts, and phone calls from family members. On top of that, there is reading and lesson planning for my film history course Tuesday morning. Sigh. Maybe Tuesday evening? As the Norwegians say, kryss fingrane (cross your fingers)!

Comments

Bluebear Jeff said…
A very happy birthday to you!

40, eh? That's so long ago that I don't recall it. (my 60th is not so far away)

Enjoy the fact that you are reasonably content with your life . . . many never achieve that.

Enjoy also the many years you have left.


-- Jeff
Anonymous said…
Happy Birthday indeed!

I'm 43 but agree with bryan Adams "I'm 18 till I die".
MurdocK said…
I have my own 10th, ahem - 40th birthday coming up.

Gonna paint on the sunday before it, lots of time planned for lavishing on Bonaparte & staff...

Glad that you had a happy day!
Thanks for the good wishes gentlemen!
Poruchik said…
Belated Congrats and Happy Birthday-I was out yesterday and missed the party.

I turn 50 in just a few days-the 40's were very very good to me; happiness and growth by the bus loads. I wish you that joy also Stokes.

Donald~

Popular posts from this blog

Presenting the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere!!!

Here they are, with the rearmost nine figures still drying, three squadrons of the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere, now in the service of the Grand Duchy of Stollen. And now, it's onto that artillery!

Taking Stock Part II: The (As Yet) Unpainted but Planned OOB. . .

  Two companies of Reichsarmee grenadiers painted back in 2017 or 2018.  Minden Austrians of course. A lovely early autumn day here in the grand duchy.  Bright sunshine and a light breeze with cool temperatures will make for some very pleasant late afternoon lawn mowing in a little while.  But first a bit more discussion of painting plans for the future. Last time, I looked back at the various and sundry units, support troops, and civilians that I've managed to paint in the last 17 years as the Grand Duchy of Stollen project has developed.  So today, let's look into the seemingly bottomless Drawer 'o' Lead to my left for a clue to the new direction.  Be forewarned, it's not going to be a quick job getting everything painted and based, but there we are. The following plans are based on the pile of unpainted figures already here.  Any future purchases will be limited to small things that might be needed to fill out the envisioned units (the odd few officers mounted o

Having a "No Day". . .

  F or the almost 20 years that she lived in Mexico, one of my late mother's Irish friends frequently mentioned having a "No Day."  A day with no social obligations, chores, tasks, or other work that interfered with whatever personal interests took one's fancy on the day in question. Since today -- a gray and chilly Saturday -- is Mom's birthday, the Grand Duchess is out with friends, and the Young Master is ensconced on the sofa in the TV room with a cold, yours truly is taking his own such No Day.  I think Mom would approve of my decision to make the world go away, as the old Eddie Arnold song intoned, even if only for a little while. So, I will spend Saturday afternoon focused on that first squadron and small regimental staff of Eureka Saxon cuirassiers.  These have stood waiting  untouched over on the painting table for almost three weeks while we skied and otherwise gadded about with snowy, winter outdoor activities. I hope to share a painting update Sunday a