When I was a kid, I thought 40 was as close to death as one could be without actually being, you know, dead.
That was when I looked like this.
But now I'm older and maybe, just a teeny bit wiser. (I'm typing this while I listen to my 40TH BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA totally awesome playlist. I may or may not be singing along. Pretend you like it. Go on, it's a gift for me.)
THINGS I HAVE LEARNED IN MY 40 (!!!) YEARS ON THIS EARTH
--- Never blow dry your hair when it's windy and/or rainy outside, for you've just wasted an hour of time
--- Sport is the best way for me to get my head clear
--- When your car gas tank registers empty, it may go another 50 miles - or not at all
--- Don't judge people by their appearance
--- I'd better think before I speak, for I often have to eat those same words
--- Embarrassment is temporary
--- I can find GREAT stuff at the thrift store - and total junk
--- My first thought is usually the one I should go with - trust my instincts
--- All of the times I thought I'd die from pain, heartbreak or frustration - I didn't
--- I'm stronger and more capable than I ever thought
--- Never be afraid to be myself
--- If I don't try, I'll never know
--- I have much less patience than I EVER thought I'd have
--- A lot of troubles in life can be cured with more sleep
--- It's no use crying over spilt milk
--- Never, ever write about people unless you'd tell them to their face
--- The truth hurts, but sometimes you need to hear it
--- Don't take yourself so seriously
--- Dance whenever you hear music and sing along as often as possible
--- But never, ever karaoke, for you don't know who has a video camera - and the Internet is FOREVER
--- When in doubt, choose the bigger drink
--- And eat the cupcake
--- Have fun. Above all, have fun.
Great list. All things that can only come from wisdom. And living.
Welcome to the "other side". hee hee! It's not so bad here. Really!
Posted by: Lisa @ All That and a box of Rocks | November 13, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Happy, happy, happy day, my friend. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you! Enjoy your party, dance, drink, and have as many cupcakes as you want. You can work them off on Monday-Today is YOUR DAY!!! Muah!
Posted by: Headless Mom | November 14, 2009 at 12:31 AM
I hope you had a great party Carmine! Sorry I didn't make it!
Posted by: Jennifer | November 14, 2009 at 02:54 AM
Happy Birthday! I LOVE your list and need to burn a few of those things into my brain, especially "embarassment is temporary" - that's a good one to learn.
Posted by: Lauren | November 14, 2009 at 06:47 AM
Great list! I'm a bit ahead of you (am 41 1/2) and I loved turning 40. Very liberating. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Lori at Spinning Yellow | November 14, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Happy Birthday Carmen. Enjoy the next 40 a little more!
Posted by: Addy | November 14, 2009 at 08:37 AM
Sage advice. If I may be so bold, I would add "make sure your bathing suit fits properly before you dive into the pool at a friends very well attended party."
Welcome to the 40's! So far its been a great time for me.
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: The Only Girl | November 14, 2009 at 09:13 AM
Playlist share please and wth with the patience; I dont have much either. Did we lose it?
Welcome to the 40 club chick; you look fabulous! Forty is FAB I tell ya.
Posted by: mary | November 14, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Happy happy! Only two-fifths of the way to 100, so you're not even middle-age yet . . .
Posted by: CG in DG | November 14, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Have a great day!!!
Posted by: MelissaS | November 14, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Have fun!
Posted by: amie | November 14, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Happy birthday Carmen!
Posted by: maggie | November 14, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Happy Birthday!!! I love the pictures.
Posted by: Carrie @ Who Knew? | November 14, 2009 at 10:44 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~ HAVE FUN!
Posted by: Debby Pucci | November 14, 2009 at 11:51 AM
I MIGHT have joined the 40 club three years ago this December but when anybody asks I am "29." I am only as old as I feel. And you my darling blog friend look much less than 40 in that picture. Live it up and have a blast.
Posted by: mm | November 14, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Happy Birthday Carmen! You are still so so very young! Have the biggest drink you can find tonight!
Posted by: Jennifer | November 14, 2009 at 01:32 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! To that I would add...."keeping score" is a waste of time and a lose-lose proposition.
It's a shame that a certain person in my life hasn't figured that one out yet...and she's 74 years old.
Posted by: Mama Cas | November 14, 2009 at 01:35 PM
Happy 40th, Carmen! There is a definite difference between those who just get older and those who age gracefully and you are the latter! God Bless!
:D
Posted by: elizabethk | November 14, 2009 at 02:56 PM
Happy Birthday
Posted by: kyooty | November 14, 2009 at 03:31 PM
Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy (x40) birthday!!!
oxoxxo
Cookie.
Posted by: Leftofordinary (aka Cookie) | November 14, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Happy Birthday, my longtime blogpal and role model for all that's badass. I speak for many when I say that you are much loved and admired. May you enjoy your 40s, my friend!
Love,
Your bestest fan,
Grace
Posted by: Grace Davis, Chief Wrangler | November 14, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Happy birthday! You drove right past me today (in your van) and I was like, "Hey, there's Carmen!" Still can't believe we live so close. Our street is an absolute mess from the storm, bet yours is too. Hoping for sun, soon!
--Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | November 14, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Great list!!! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Jenn E | November 14, 2009 at 05:52 PM
A very happy, healthy birthday C-- great list & pix. Here's to the next forty...and beyond! *cheers*
Posted by: Sabz | November 14, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Happy Birthday Carmen!!!!
Posted by: Grace | November 14, 2009 at 06:54 PM