It's a hell of a milestone and I find myself in a reflective mood.  So, the old and wise of the Core, what say you?

First, Happy Birthday!

Second, you are at the Prime of Life: enough miles to have real experience and wisdom, but the chassis hasn't rusted out.  Really enjoy it. You will meet many younger people who are brilliant but jut don't have the life experience you do. It gives you an edge.

Third, things start rattling lose at about 45. 

If it is not too late, don't do it - stay 39

Otherwise, happy birthday

Its just a number - if we had all been born with 12 fingers you would only be 34

Yes Happy Birthday... enjoy your 40's .  I am.

If you have any major physical goals still on the list, do them now. You can sit and watch football/films/read later in life.

QuoteThird, things start rattling lose at about 45. 

'Bout right.  Getting too many injuries at 47. 

Quote from: 4Eyes on October 28, 2011, 11:21:09 PM
If it is not too late, don't do it - stay 39

Otherwise, happy birthday

Its just a number - if we had all been born with 12 fingers you would only be 34

I love that. I shall bed using that myself... Particularly around the beginning of next year

I'd enjoy it, a great age where everything comes together.

It's a great time to get prepared for the coming years, things can start to drop to bits a little as you approach 50, sorry to have to tell you.

Personally I would spend the  next few years laying a foundation of fitness that will carry you through, you need to be able to skip up a flight of stairs not just walk up. Boxing made a big impact for me, good for cardio fitness, very relaxing and most importantly makes you "sharp". I think the danger is that as the years progress you can start to plod, find something that will put a spring in your step.

Extra inch thing is a myth, that doesn't happen until 48

I'm 40.  It's not a bad age at all.

>a reflective mood.
I'm not particularly a fan of country, but it's a good message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xSGLZd9Vg4

Happy Birthday

40 is fine - you get a big cake and some good pressies. 41 is depressing - plan to do something fun for next year!

Forties were good - I echo the 'do something demanding while you still can' message if you have any ambitions to trek the Darien Gap or ski Corbett's Couloir. Enjoy them.

(Fifties are actually not as bad as I had feared...)

QuoteSo, the old and wise of the Core, what say you?

Pretty much time to stop buying green bananas John.

Happy Birthday John! Only 37 here, so I will refrain from giving advice
I'd echo what NFFC said tough, getting in better shape is definitely a wise move. Doesn't get any easier over the years.

Happy b-day, LM.  The forties are pretty easy, I whizzed through them thinking I was bulletproof.  About the time of pubcon1, I hit 50 and was still doing A-OK.  Now I'm 61 and it's starting to suck a little bit.

But, yeah, I have a few tips:

A#1: Put your household finances on Quickbooks (or similar full accounting program, not just checking). Do this NOW!

(Remember that story about Miles Clark?)  Selling too soon is a good strategy.

Don't hire family. Make them work for others then hire them once they've proven their worth (to themselves and to you, but mostly to themselves) elsewhere.

Unless something is truly disposable, only use the absolute best quality materials/services.  When working on a project I ask myself "How much would I pay to never have to do this again?" You'd be surprised how that changes your perspective on what you're willing to spend.

Write instructions and notes for your future self. (You suck at documentation, LM. hhh)

Spend on experiences, not things.

Happy bday lm, just turned 41 this year myself.

Recently it seems I'm shocked almost daily at things that seem like were just yesterday, but happened like 1 or 2 decades ago.

Great advice in this thread, keep it coming!

Please help me out, RC. I don't know the story of Miles Clark that you refer to.

Why so keen on the Quickbooks thing RC?