The getting older doesn't really suck thread

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

I've been thinking about this topic lately and a couple of my posts today have reffered to age so now I'm thinking about it more. I know there are a lot more middle aged people around here than many of us realize and I'm curious about some of your thoughts if you fit into the category.

I'm 42. Like every damn kid I thought this age was light years away when I was in my 20's. I hated turning 30 because it felt like I was officially losing my "youth." However turning 40 didn't bother me nearly as much. By then then I guess I had more perspective... and perspective I've discovered means everything.

I have some gray in my hair and beard now and I used to hear people say it makes you looks distinguished. I thought that was a nice way of saying you're starting to look old. You know what? It does actually make you look distinguished. However that may be that perspective thing coming into play I realize.

At work I'm the immediate supervisor for 6 people... all younger... and they call me the father figure of the station and look to me for leadership and direction that in my younger days I wasn't nearly as equipped to provide. Rather than that making me feel old though it makes me feel good. I didn't expect that. It might help that I can still party with them if I want and am invited too heh.

My chosen career does keep me young naturally so I do have that going for me... which is nice (Carl the groundskeeper).

No crows feet yet... a little pudge but that's what happens when you drink beer and plenty of younger folks have it a lot worse than me... I don't have aches and pains and I feel real good most of the time. If I don't it's usually my own fault.

So this getting older thing isn't so damn bad. Not at all. I wouldn't trade the things I've learned from experience and the persepctive I've gained with age and the calm and cool I've achieved though living through some things with youth again any day. I don't remember who said it but one of my favorite quotes is "youth is wasted on the young."

I'm growing older gracefully I'm proud to say and it kind of rocks.

Any of you other old timers care to chime in?

[headsnap]

I'm 44

I have a beautiful wife

I have three awesome kids(you could make the argument that my wife has four )

My job is so-so, I'm looking to make a career change in the next 4 months.

I race BMX at the National level in the Expert Class(currently race against the guys I read about in the magazines in the '80s). I will also be racing a Downhill MTB series next year.

I play guitar in the praise band at Church, in a cover band, and still write and record for an Industrial band that I am in.

I'm 44 and in by-far the best shape of my life... getting older definitely doesn't suck!





you don't stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing...

[GordonGekko]

Originally Posted by LiveSteam

2/20/69
Im a mason & own my own biz. It keeps me in pretty good shape.
Have a lil whippersnapper that works for me. 22 I think he is. Anyways he had been kinda running his mouth the last few weeks calling me an old man, gramps ect.
So he comes to work on day,few weeks back, & says he wants a dollar raise.
I ask him if he has ever played king of the sand pile. He says no.
Well its easy kid. All you have to do is get me off that 16ton sand pile & you get your raise.
I tossed him around like a rag doll for 5 minutes.
I gave him his raise for effort. Cause he sure didnt get me off the sand pile.

Wow! You are a badass boss!!

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

Originally Posted by headsnap

I'm 44

I have a beautiful wife

I have three awesome kids(you could make the argument that my wife has four )

My job is so-so, I'm looking to make a career change in the next 4 months.

I race BMX at the National level in the Expert Class(currently race against the guys I read about in the magazines in the '80s). I will also be racing a Downhill MTB series next year.

I play guitar in the praise band at Church, in a cover band, and still write and record for an Industrial band that I am in.

I'm 44 and in by-far the best shape of my life... getting older definitely doesn't suck!





you don't stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing...

Excellent

[RJ]

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

Fresno, CA.

Was offered a new job and a chance to see areas of the country I've never had the time to visit.

Yosemite, the redwood and great sequoia forests. All within an hour. I've discovered there is also great fishing within 2 hours.

Good for you. I moved west about 15 years ago, from Baltimore to Albuquerque. There are a few things I miss but overall I have no regrets. Both professionally and personally I believe I am much better off than if I had stayed put.

Best of luck with your change of venue.

[Dante84]

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

Helps when you keep yourself in shape. A good friend of mine released a music video on youtube at 51 today, it's called eating chocolate bars. Pretty funny. http://youtu.be/spSC8vcxV4s

No offense, but your friend looks like Mickey Rourke... but more douchey.

[BigRedChief]

Moved to St, Petersburg, Fl. Making more money than I've ever made in my life doing important work. Got promoted 3 times in a year. Kids thriving in college. lost 80 lbs so far. Thinking of living in a condo downtown. This place

or this one


Doesn't suck. a lot more enjoyable now than if it would have happened at 20

[luv]

How old is old?

[KurtCobain]

Sometimes I wonder if I'll make it to see that distant ancient age of 25.

[GordonGekko]

Originally Posted by BIG_DADDY

Helps when you keep yourself in shape. A good friend of mine released a music video on youtube at 51 today, it's called eating chocolate bars. Pretty funny. http://youtu.be/spSC8vcxV4s

The dude takes care of himself no doubt, but he is on something. HGH, juice, or both.

His voice sounds kind of 'tweaked' like a juicer so that is where I'm getting that from.

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Moved to St, Petersburg, Fl. Making more money than I've ever made in my life doing important work. Got promoted 3 times in a year. Kids thriving in college. lost 80 lbs so far. Thinking of living in a condo downtown. This place

or this one


Doesn't suck. a lot more enjoyable now than if it would have happened at 20

Bragger.

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

Originally Posted by KurtCobain

Sometimes I wonder if I'll make it to see that distant ancient age of 25.

Vegas has you at 2 to 1

[luv]

Originally Posted by LiveSteam

2/20/69
Im a mason & own my own biz. It keeps me in pretty good shape.
Have a lil whippersnapper that works for me. 22 I think he is. Anyways he had been kinda running his mouth the last few weeks calling me an old man, gramps ect.
So he comes to work on day,few weeks back, & says he wants a dollar raise.
I ask him if he has ever played king of the sand pile. He says no.
Well its easy kid. All you have to do is get me off that 16ton sand pile & you get your raise.
I tossed him around like a rag doll for 5 minutes.
I gave him his raise for effort. Cause he sure didnt get me off the sand pile.

If I knock you off, can I get a raise?

[cdcox]

Just turned 50 in August.

Professionally, I am starting to really come into my own. I received a promotion a few weeks ago and now I have two administrative appointments -- one academic and one in research. So I rub elbows with everyone from undergraduate students to the chancellor. This opens a whole new chapter on my career. I worked really hard in my 40s (maybe too hard) and I'm now getting some great opportunities as a result.

Not to mention Sandbox Simulations, which is a very cool side project. It's a lot of fun, is intellectually stimulating, and harbors some dreams of the young man still inside me.

Physically, things aren't what they used to be. Sometimes I'm shocked to see a picture of myself, because I'm starting to look like an old man. I have to really work at keeping the weight off. I tore a tendon in my finger in a pick up basketball game a couple years ago and I realize it will never be the same. I've got a few aches and pains every morning. My ass is starting to disappear. I pop a couple of pills every morning (one for cholesterol and one for heartburn) and probably will for the rest of my life.

My family life is way better than it was a few years ago. Our daughter is 21 and has been clean from drugs for almost 2 years. She is taking steps toward independence and our relationship with her is 1000 times better. I'm glad the child raising years are behind me.

If I could change one thing, I'd make each day last 30 hours. Just too much good things going on to cram into one day.

[Dr. Johnny Fever]

Originally Posted by luv

How old is old?

I didn't define it on purpose. Many people here are in their 20's... some 30's... some 40's and up. You're in your low 30's right? To me you aren't old but to Joey you are.

Besides the idea I was going with was about getting older, not being old. I don't feel old at all.

[BIG_DADDY]

Originally Posted by Dante84

No offense, but your friend looks like Mickey Rourke... but more douchey.

Yea well the spray tan looks kinda goofy. I think he was just trying to have some fun. Previous CEO New York Athletic and 24 Hour Fitness. He is a good guy too, a lot of fun.