Today is my birthday. It has been my habit for many years that I take some time on my birthday to get alone and contemplate my life. It has always been a beneficial practice, so much so that I should probably try it more than just once a year, but then, I’m not one to go overboard.
My favorite “alone” spot was the beach at Del Mar, California. Check it out, and you’ll see why. There’s even a Starbucks nearby. Now, living in Oregon, that isn’t practical. I could try the coast here, which I do like, but it’s not the same. Again, visit and you’ll see why.
Today, I first went down by the Willamette River, then to a park where I walked through some woods down to a little creek that was so shallow you could actually walk into parts of it without getting wet. It was a good day.
I have lived 50+1 years on this earth so far, and today, as I look at my life, I conclude that I am a very lucky man.
I have an extremely attractive, sexy, wise, loving wife, with whom I am in love as much today as I was 25 years ago when I decided I wanted to marry her. I find that I spend a lot of time simply looking at her, and much of the rest of the time thinking about her.
I have accomplished great things: I have three wonderful children. To say that I am proud of them is an understatement. We have a peaceful and happy household, which I think says a lot. I could go on, but I won’t. You’ll just have to trust me, when I say that I am, indeed, a lucky man.
Certainly there are problems. Life isn’t perfect. As one of the songs I referenced in the title says, “I can’t complain, but sometimes I still do.”
But, on my 51st birthday, I am convinced that I am a lucky man.
Thanks, Mike!
Happy belated birthday, Alden. It’s great to set aside time to take stock on your life and focus on the things that you have accomplished and done with your life.
Sometimes I compare my life with the dreams I had when I was younger and see myself coming up way short; but then I look at the things that I have accomplished and realize that the world is a better place, however slightly, for me having been here.
It’s a better world with you in it as well, Alden.
The fact that you quote Joe Walsh on your 51st is proof enough that at least one of your cogs is loose. Don’t fix it. Please don’t fix it.
Well if I was king I’d sign a proclamation
And if I was president I’d pass a law
And I’d call for a full-blown Senate investigation
Of everyone who wasn’t having fun
—Joe Walsh