Turning 40 on Thursday. Need some cheering up!
8It seems like we can barely go a week without adding another name to the death thread, and I've already lost 3 family members this year (last one Thursday) with two more diagnosed with cancer (also last one Thursday). We're constantly pummeled by the media with negativity, and it's all starting to get to me. I'm feeling old and depressed. I blame most of it on @medz.
Now, the up-side is I happen to know a group of unreasonably cheerful folks on this forum. Maybe you all could help me find some good cheery things to focus on instead of all the doom and gloom?
So help me out! List some good things that have happened this year. Draw me an awesome cheery picture. Record yourself farting (that's always good for a laugh). Whatevs!
I'm encouraging cheerfulness using /r/aww, /r/childrenfallingover, and /r/eyebleach.
- 48 comments, 90 replies
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Good things which have happened this year:
1) TBD
2) Pending
@FroodyFrog Yup. That sounds about right.
@FroodyFrog 3) The election isn't over yet. Or 3) The election will be over soon. Take your pick.
@OldCatLady
On the down side, we have to live with the consequences of the election.
@FroodyFrog Look at the election as you would a Godzilla movie. It'll be so entertaining once the monster starts tearing things up.
@Teripie
True.
Plus, I can't wait for everyone to say "I told you so".
If you're anything like me, you'll survive at least 10 more years! But I'm not sure you want to be anything like me
the fuck count is now up to 2930. that's a good thing, right?
@carl669 I would have guessed much higher.
Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck
Does that put us at 3000?
@DaveInSoCal
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
@MEHcus Ha! That was a good one. +1 smile and a chuckle.
You know that I wish you the best on your 40th birthday!
Just remember it is good to be you @DaveInSoCal
But just wait till your 50th, bitch. Then we will talk :)
@mfladd I was gonna say, "be happy that you're not really old, like some of us aged farts," but decided that would be too cynical. I'm glad you managed to work it in.
@mfladd I came here to specifically mention @DaveInSoCal was younger than you so to quit his bitching ;)
I really don't mean this to be partisan; we'll see if I succeed. Young people (and some old ones)--most of whom were thoroughly disenchanted with the System--found someone and something that motivated them to get up off of their asses, look up from their phones and gather together. For change. In hope for a better tomorrow. For a world where everyone matters and people not only survive, but live lives of dignity and purpose. Even if you think we're all delusional and misguided, I think there's something to be happy about here: people care about each other, they're engaged and they're eager to help and to spread the love. I hope that makes you happy. It sure as hell makes me happy.
@joelmw
@joelmw - we just had to get one...
@lisaviolet I got the set (not all pictured).
@joelmw If he doesn't get the nomination, I'm half tempted to donate to Hill and get an official "woman card". Just to have one.
You're a mere baby! I wish I was turning 40! But if that isn't enough for you, how about a picture of a new giant panda that was born a couple of days ago:
Three other things:
1) FWIW, I really like having you around. You add something genuinely unique and positive wherever you show up.
2) I don't know where you are, but as old as I felt at 40, I also felt joy that I could once-and-for-all cast off the pretense and potential of childhood. Do whatever the fuck you want. You're a goddamned certified adult now and you can tell those kids to get off your lawn, for any fucking reason. Just because. Make the most of it, and stop worrying that you need to do anything that lives up to anyone else's expectations or directives.
3) I'm sorry for your loss. Truly. It sucks and I won't tell you that it happened for a reason, because I have no idea. But when I lost my first wife, part of what it did for me was help me wake up and reevaluate every aspect of my life, what I was doing and why. It also shook me into a greater awareness of what mattered. I don't know that it made me a better person; it probably didn't. What it did do was free me to be myself and to enjoy each moment--and to worry less about whether what I was doing was the "right" thing to do. The right thing to do is to live. And to love the people you care about. That's about all the wisdom I've got. But it makes me happier than most of the shittier wisdom I used to hold dear.
@joelmw thanks buddy!
@joelmw to the rescue! - You're the best at stepping up in a supportive and really meaningful way. I'm always impressed.
@KDemo I don't know about all that. But thanks. You're the supportive one as far as I can tell. I just call 'em like I see 'em.
@mikibell :)
You're still a young fart.
I'm turning 45 in a few weeks. The 5s are so much harder for me than the 0s. I'll officially be closer to 50 than 40. Fuck fuck fuckity fuck.
@jaremelz
You'll also be closer to 60 than to 30
@FroodyFrog So much fuck you, frog.
@jaremelz Thanks a lot. I've always hated the 0's, now I'll be hating the 5's, too. And I have a 5 coming up this year. Crap crap crappity crap
@Barney And so much sorry to you, my purple friend. :(
@jaremelz
It's been a pleasure poking fun. On the other hand, eventually I'll be in a similar scenario.
But if there's one thing I've learned from society, it's that numbers (and reality) can make a person feel down.
@jaremelz You will live forever with cosmetics and the ability to stay out of a fight.
@mfladd Well then I'm fucked aren't I? You know I like a good rumble.
(Btw, perfect fucking gif)
@jaremelz @FroodyFrog lol rektttttt
@jaremelz i hate the 0s, 4s, and 7s (early, mid, late decade)
@katylava Thank you. Yes.
@mfladd That was a weird ass movie.
@jaremelz
@mfladd
@joelmw
@katylava
@Lotsofgoats
@FroodyFrog
@Barney
You are all such a bunch of asses.
@f00l I don't get it, why am I an ass? I thought I was a goat.
@Barney
I thought you were purple.
@FroodyFrog Uh, I LOVE purple.
Communist/builderburg member/lying cheat Hillary is running for Prez.....I think 40 is the least of your worries!!! Cancer is curable by the way....answers are out there....happy birthday by the way
@jmmcnary Perspective is a funny thing. I wish she leaned so much further to the left.
@jmmcnary
Partisan, much?
@f00l very much!!! Don't really like any of them!
@jmmcnary Great!- then let's see/read your vitriol about "The Donald" [Drumpf- his real name, had his surname not been altered sometime either during or before immigration].
I turned 40 in march and the world was pretty much like it was at 39. Relax have fun . Now however you are just an adult you can not call yourself a young adult any more byt that also means things are very freeing. You are able to do what you want and say go f to anyone who wants to judge. So go out wear a silly outfit and eat cake and continue to be the awesome you but better
@CaptAmehrican Plus Welcome to Middle Age!
RIP
(this was a mandatory response since I gave a RIP for somebody's 30th)
I feel like this wasn't very cheery oops
here's some cute bugs holding hands
@Lotsofgoats
A few minutes later, the bugs got sprayed to death, and the flower got picked.
Several days later, the flower was put in a book where it was dried out, pressed, and later framed.
@Lotsofgoats
@DaveinSoCal I strongly suggest Roller Derby. I have been involved about a year (as an official) and it makes me feel less adult-y when I'm there.
There are Men's leagues, too, if you really want to hit somebody.
Find a local league and start volunteering.
https://wftda.com/leagues
http://www.mensrollerderbyassociation.com/leagues/
WFTDA and MRDA use the same rules, so if you know one, you can work both.
It will quickly kill off the adult living inside your brain.
I really don't have anything cheery to add, though.
It has been a hell of a few weeks.
This guy is 72 years old.
Well, besides a birthday present you have coming to you, here's an adorable video of a husky puppy that'll be sure to make you smile.
Or piss yourself laughing, like I do, every time I watch it.
HEY! If you join a men's basketball league and you get into an argument with the other team, it's waaaay easier to get away with this when you're older.
Happy birthday! Sorry for all the lousy stuff! Nothing to list, really. Just feeling generally positive and cheery today. Purple?
The way things are going in medical science, you could live to be 150 or more! 40's not bad at all. Plus you're a kind and generous person and I think that will keep you going strong for a very long time.
Hell, my kid's 46 this year! My husband is 75. And his mother, still living on her own, is 92!
I have to admit, I do wish I could be 40 again. It was a very good year for me!
I have on good authority (my mother) that you are not old until you are 104. You are not even half way there yet. LOL
When I turned forty I had a one year old and was soon to be pregnant again. See, it could be worse.
@sammydog01 It would suck if i was pregnant!
@DaveInSoCal
Ok, then, would you suck if it were pregnant?
@DaveInSoCal I remember my early forties for being tired and crying a lot, so 50 was kind of nice.
Hey at least you aren't turning 101,000... oh wait you are. In base 2. Now aren't you glad we use base 10?
Of course using the logic that we have 20 fingers, thumbs and toes we should be counting in base 20. I think (if I remember how to do this correctly) that makes you turning 20. See? Not so old after all. Now you should feel better.
@Kidsandliz i can only count to 6, because that is how many meh ping pong balls i have.
@DaveInSoCal Bad news. In base 7 (counting to 6) you are turning 55. Better go buy some more ping pong balls. I'll send you the blue sharpie.
Go watch the Invictus Games on ESPN. The opening ceremonies were held last night, with some magnificent musicians, and Prince Harry. Well, that sure makes ME cheer up.
I'm so sorry to hear of your losses, and that other people close to you are ill.
Getting older sux. But....you can just stop worrying about all sorts of youthful insecurities and stresses that you're ready to toss. And you can be all snarky and quietly superior about all the stuff you know that young people don't know.
And you still love the people who are still with you. And you still love the people who are gone. And they love/loved you.
And Puppies! Kittiens! I dunno, mebbe The Rolling Stones! Star Wars! The next great internet debate! The next great YouTube video!
The next 100 fucks!
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Happy Birthday!
@f00l Fuckin' A, f00l.
Some day you will look back and feel quite ridiculous for thinking 40 was old.
For now, practice this song for your Birthday this Thursday (and may it be happy):
@ceagee
I hope i turn 100 someday, still sentient, with my senses, perhaps even mobile, and get to play that song.
I'm 55. You're welcome.
@RedOak I think it is time many of us get a AARP discount on this site.
@mfladd I'll take the 'been on this planet duration' discount but please keep AARP away. Not an AARP fan.
@mfladd You might age, but you'll never stop being my favorite freak.
Off topic....I looked up AARP cards gif, and one of the top results was this....
WTF, Google?
@mfladd I'd knock boots with those knockers.
What?
@jaremelz
@mfladd
Ohhhh Myyyyy
Am I doing this right?
40 is the new 20. I say that because I'm 60 and I feel like the old 40.
@readnj So you mean you feel 20 years older at 40?
@Kidsandliz
@readnj
60s are the new "i'm a smartass youthful asshole, so what if i don't look it, you're not so pretty yourself" age for some of us.
Remember how superior and obnoxious the baby boomers were when young? Guess what?
@f00l We're fucking AWESOME now!
@lisaviolet
Not only are we awesome, and always cooler-than-thou, but we aren't shy about letting people know.
It's the heavy burden of Generational Heritage. Almost like the Greatest Generation! I only hope i am worthy of our lifelong self-entitlement-fest.
@f00l Yes, and the more I think about it, the cooler we are. Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music! Madder music, stronger wine- wait, that got off track.
Ok, so not technically this calendar year, but in the last 12 months I was able to spend 35 days at Disneyland, which is pretty damn good for living 1500 miles away (as the crow flies).
Otherwise I have a penchant for making people feel old, so I'll shut up now and just leave this here...
@SpenceMan01 you get a star just for posting a pic of Oolong!
I finally attained full time employment at a micro brewery.... Today. That is kind of good news, so far.
@connorbush That's great news, congrats!
From all of us born in the 50's... Fuck You!
(Happy birthday. All of us great ones were born in May)
Forty. Heh. Prime of my life. I could still read, do dishes, dust without glasses. Small scratches and bruises and pulled muscles were better in a matter of days.
How long do you want to live? Where is forty on that timeline? I'd bet not even halfway to your goal. Look ahead, not back.
Now I'm sixty-two. Getting up in the morning is cause for celebration.
@lisaviolet meh. If you're implying that it only gets worse, you're not helping
@DaveInSoCal Well, I'm just saying that forty's not so bad....
Talked with a neighbor this morning. He's 72. Said he can hardly walk, needs knee surgery, but he read an article that more people die from problems in hospitals, than in cars. Then he relates how four of his acquaintances died from sepsis after surgeries.
So, he just hobbles along. He said he wakes up each morning thinking "FUCK!"
So, enjoy your forties....
@DaveInSoCal
So, yeah, you dont have youth. You dont have the fresh perspective and fresh start, the energy levels, the photo-worthy bod, the belief that you can afford every risk, the belief that stupid dangerous things wont possibly kill you. You no longer plan endless nights of lost sleep following whatever passion.
You dont get the social forgiveness "oh he's young" thing when you screw up. You don't get praised for achievement. You're just spozed to achieve and shut up about it. Not every person your age is hot, and kinda checking you out.
You dont have the luxury of kidding yourself that you can make mature choices "later".
There's that pesky bit that is intrinsic by 40, about holding up the sky of work and responsibility and trying to fix things, quietly, silently, without credit or appreciation, so the sky wont fall and hit crack the heads of the young and the clueless, the ill, the troubled, the immature, those who are in terrible straits.
So what do you get? Can be hard to put into words. You get having some fucking idea how things balance out, what matters, what you have to do, in a way that younger people struggle with. You get the courage to deal with daily shit, constant endless shit, more shit, and keep going, in a way that's diff from what the young have. You get to look across a room at another adult, catch their eye, and know, about stuff younger people are trying to figure out. You get the sure proven knowledge of all the battles you've fought, and lost or won. You get to give, to have the capacity and strength to give, and a way that's different than young people give.
Curiously, most of us would not go back. We'd take the bodies, and the energy and fitness and health and looks, and perhaps the freshness and freedom, in a heartbeat. But perhaps not the brains. And certainly not, if we had to give up what we have gained over those decades.
You get the strength to face getting older, your friends and family doing the same, with illness, with loss. You get to watch the world going to shit in this way or that, you can't stop it, but you're goddam gonna keep going and do what you can. You get to be in a battle, that in a sense, you're going to lose. But you're not gonna quit.
*Old age ain't no place for sissies."
Bette Davis
No, it's not. But you'll find courage and strength you never thought you had. It's not just contemplating the alternative that makes it worth doing. Being young was like getting a small free pass in some parts of life (in no way to minimize the serious and terrible parts of youth, particularly for some). That's done.
Now it begins.
Again, Happy Birthday.
First, this thread needs significantly more otters. Otters make everything better.
Second, this never fails to make me laugh:
Third, sorry to hear about your family. Hope things get better!
@hollboll Awesome post- Xcpt for the Lambo vid- that just sucked.
Sorry, just saying...
@hollboll I've seen the actual ad that's based on- not entirely by choice though. The remake there is much, much better- it's also a hell of a lot shorter.
@hollboll thanks Hollboll! You can never have too many otters!
Thanks everyone! I'm going to Coin Op (www.coinopsd.com) on Thursday to celebrate the first 40 years with old school video games and cheers to the future with whiskey and beer. If anyone is in San Diego on Thursday feel free to join me!
Then Billy Joel on Saturday! My first ever concert was Billy Joel (Stormfront, 1989) and I'm really looking forward to seeing him again.
Happy almost birthday to me!
@DaveInSoCal Happy last day of your 30s!! We have an old school arcade that serves beer here. It's my happy place.
@DaveInSoCal Cool! I wish I was comfortable driving in unfamiliar places. I'd love to meet you.
@DaveInSoCal
Shoot them fuckers!
Happy video game birthday!
@jaremelz What/where might said arcade place be? Always on the lookout for such now that that I don't have to ask my parents for pinball $$
@compunaut In Tacoma, it's called Dorkys. Huge pinball machine selection and really yummy pizza as well!
40! cheer up you can still drive at night, you'll find plenty of action in the mahjog room.
@cranky1950 I only run when chased. And not always then.
I'd play mahjong, but my mom won't let me in her games.
Multiple cakes! Divide up the candles, and then just have one, so instead of 40, you're 20(x2), 10(x4), or even 5(x8). You'll be younger AND you'll have more cake!
Hooray for math, and happy birthday!
@narfcake I like that idea. I'm stealing it. Thanks!
IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN, NA NA NA NAAAAAAAAA, NA NA NA NA NAAAAAAAA
@DaveInSoCal Since you are now old you knew I was going to, right?
(yes, I saw them in concert. Blame my girlfriend at the time)
@mfladd Why do you always blame the woman? Gee, why did you make me see that band in concert? Honey, why did you let me wear that in public? Melzy, why did you make me do that to myself? (Voodoo dolls, that's why)
No wait....that wasn't yours. (Rummaging through boxes)....found it!
@jaremelz You fucking scare me at times.
But wait, I want that superman doll!!!!!!!!
@jaremelz is that Deadpool in Superman's tights?
@mfladd
That song was allowed to cross the Altantic?
Maybe the Mexican border is not where a wall is really needed.
Please tell us you dumped the girl.
@mfladd
Watched that vid 4hours ago. I am still trying to erase the horrors in my brain.
So relieved i spent much time back when at CBGBs, so i had some shielding.
I need a brain-scrub. Just take me to the river.
@f00l Jealous of the CBGB background. Not watching the vid.
@OldCatLady
Don't watch, unless you have anesthesia handy.
In my futile attempt to pretend i was in Manhattan for grad school, i rented an apt 3 v short blocks (i think 3) from CBGB's.
@f00l Yup, it didn't last long (she was hot though). The concert was actually a Summerfest thing in Milwaukee. She had a thing for hair bands - groupie type - I couldn't handle that.
Have a good birthday. Hope you are still up to read the birthday wishes that are likely to come through - even from those pesky east coasters who bitch about being up at this hour (I am central savings time so it isn't quite as bad - if you are still dreading your birthday, come to my time zone. You still have 50 min left).
Happy birthday, @DaveInSoCal. You don't look a day older than you did yesterday.
Just live thru it.
1 min.
It's here! Bang or whimper?
@f00l wife decorated the whole house while i was asleep! Bang!
@DaveInSoCal
I hope, in more ways than 1?
Your week of partying and celebration has begun. Congratulations! What's on the schedule?
Happy Birthday!
Music always cheers me up.
@zachdecker +39 more stars
Happy Birthday! Have fun @ Billy Joel
Welp, not a great day, but wasn't awful. Got a great bday gift that I'll share tomorrow.
@DaveInSoCal Here's to not awful!
@DaveInSoCal Do you feel older ?
@ceagee maybe a bit? I'll report back in the morning.