50
Monday, 16. November 2009, 11:30:44
The other night, a few days ago, I sat thinking as I sometimes do.
I was thinking that I would soon turn fifty, which is in fact half a bloody century. I was born in the decade when rock'n'roll was born. I was a child during the cold war and the booming economies of the sixties. I remember the hippie days, peace love and understanding. I was young when Europe was scarred by terrorism and war, yet my youth was mostly about education, girls and finding a way in society. In my late twenties I spend most of my effort on getting a grip on my life and getting my act together. I got married at 29 and became mostly economical independent at 40.
Yesterday was my fiftieth birthday, I was blessed with an absolutely crowded house filled to the rim just as all the glasses in everybody's hands. Much cheering, eating, raising of glasses and celebrating all over the place. A wonderful, wonderful day thanks to my wife and my family and friends. I can only say that I am one lucky, fifty year old man.
The before mentioned night when I sat contemplating over the passed years, I came to the conclusion that "50" is nothing but a number. Two digits. So what?
But now, as I sit here after my big day, looking at myself tired to the bones, with my slippers on and the newspaper handy, I feel I have to admit that these two digits just might be a bit more concrete than just a number.
Ladies and gentlemen, this tired man with the slippers is now officially fifty, in every sense of the word.
That's fine.
I was thinking that I would soon turn fifty, which is in fact half a bloody century. I was born in the decade when rock'n'roll was born. I was a child during the cold war and the booming economies of the sixties. I remember the hippie days, peace love and understanding. I was young when Europe was scarred by terrorism and war, yet my youth was mostly about education, girls and finding a way in society. In my late twenties I spend most of my effort on getting a grip on my life and getting my act together. I got married at 29 and became mostly economical independent at 40.
Yesterday was my fiftieth birthday, I was blessed with an absolutely crowded house filled to the rim just as all the glasses in everybody's hands. Much cheering, eating, raising of glasses and celebrating all over the place. A wonderful, wonderful day thanks to my wife and my family and friends. I can only say that I am one lucky, fifty year old man.
The before mentioned night when I sat contemplating over the passed years, I came to the conclusion that "50" is nothing but a number. Two digits. So what?
But now, as I sit here after my big day, looking at myself tired to the bones, with my slippers on and the newspaper handy, I feel I have to admit that these two digits just might be a bit more concrete than just a number.
Ladies and gentlemen, this tired man with the slippers is now officially fifty, in every sense of the word.
That's fine.


1 2 Next »
Darko # 16. November 2009, 12:25
Angeliki # 16. November 2009, 13:28
Mit # 16. November 2009, 14:23
der Wandersmann # 16. November 2009, 14:39
Martin K # 16. November 2009, 16:43
PainterWoman # 16. November 2009, 16:43
I felt this way at turning 60 a year and a half ago. When I turned 50, I was too busy trying to make a go at being independent so didn't think much about age....except for when I had to walk up three flights of stairs after a 12 hour shift serving at banquets.
Sounds like you had a wonderful day on your birthday Allan. That's the best kind of day to have.
Edward Piercy # 16. November 2009, 18:13
So maybe you could get out your little cars and trucks (or look at your Toyota in the driveway) and watch some cartoons (or MTV) and have a nice grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch.
Happy birthday. Keep those slippers on.
PainterWoman # 16. November 2009, 18:16
Originally posted by edwardpiercy:
That reminds me, I've got to buy some slippers for when I'm in ND for Thanksgiving.
Nicolas Borgsmidt # 16. November 2009, 20:17
Happy birthday kid
Better late than never
Stardancer # 16. November 2009, 22:28
Richard # 17. November 2009, 03:07
Allan # 17. November 2009, 09:01
And will you believe, those slippers have totally gone lost! I can't find them. And I live in a small house.
Now I wonder if there's a meaning in this
Nicolas Borgsmidt # 17. November 2009, 11:14
Martin K # 17. November 2009, 13:01
Nicolas Borgsmidt # 17. November 2009, 13:10
Nicolas Borgsmidt # 17. November 2009, 13:14
Martin K # 17. November 2009, 13:37
Nicolas Borgsmidt # 17. November 2009, 14:01
Darko # 17. November 2009, 14:04
Allan # 17. November 2009, 15:55
PainterWoman # 17. November 2009, 16:08
Edward Piercy # 17. November 2009, 16:46
Martin K # 17. November 2009, 17:34
Allan # 17. November 2009, 18:31
Darko # 17. November 2009, 21:02
Naomi # 17. November 2009, 21:04
@Edward I was just thinking about grilled cheese & soup for dinner tonight. Yes, I am still a child.
Nicolas Borgsmidt # 17. November 2009, 21:26
Mick-E # 17. November 2009, 22:49
Originally posted by ricewood:
I'd say it was an accomplishment. Happy Birthday!
Originally posted by ricewood:
The memory is the first thing to go.
scott cumming # 18. November 2009, 02:55
vis a vis age and numbers... i only try one thing and that's not to talk about how old i am. i bite my tongue when i am tempted to complain about the pain. i think it's an honor to grow old. i don't think everyone gets to do it. and there's still plenty to live for and enjoy.
studio41 # 18. November 2009, 07:56
WillYum # 18. November 2009, 08:02
Bravo.
Yum
rickwiedeman # 18. November 2009, 08:50
Allan # 18. November 2009, 09:25
Lois # 18. November 2009, 14:25
Allan # 18. November 2009, 14:29
Norfrid # 19. November 2009, 09:11
A little delayed; happy birthday!
I'm glad you had a nice party.
Allan # 19. November 2009, 10:39
Kimberly # 19. November 2009, 14:42
and yes, it is just a number, and if you turn it around and think about it, instead of being 50, you're only 5...lol
so live it like yow would have when you were 5
Norfrid # 19. November 2009, 15:10
greenwitch3 # 19. November 2009, 22:36
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ALLAAAAAAAAAAAAN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.....
Allan # 19. November 2009, 22:54
Oh, you know we had a fierce storm yesterday, Norfrid?
Thanks, Witchie
greenwitch3 # 20. November 2009, 05:25
You are welcome my dear friend.
Norfrid # 20. November 2009, 09:14
53north # 21. November 2009, 06:49
I'm not far behind..
Wonder what the combined total for all the commentors here would be?
=o}
Allan # 21. November 2009, 09:47
rickwiedeman # 21. November 2009, 16:22
Originally posted by ricewood:
Hey! I am only three times the age of a young teen. I'm still cool! (Do they still say "cool?" Hang on, I'll go ask my kids... yes. OK. I'm still that.)
Allan # 21. November 2009, 16:55
rickwiedeman # 21. November 2009, 16:59
Here, "street" means a certain level of (un) sophistication, such as "Gwen Stephani dresses glam, but is really very street," that is, she may get on the cover of Cosmo, but she still talks like a ghetto-kid.
Makes sense that the word would morph into broader use.
Martin K # 21. November 2009, 18:05
scott cumming # 21. November 2009, 18:24