I hope I don't get traded in for 2 twenties...

It is official. Today, I am 40

Honestly, I look, feel, and act younger than I did when I was 20. (ok, the 'look' part is a big, fat lie, but stay with me here people) I am pretty stoked about it. For the most part, my 20's sucked ass. My 30's were about growth, change, and empowerment and, really, a hell of a lot of fun. I expect the 40's to be where I take the empowerment of my 30's and run with it.

If you thought I was obnoxious before, hoo wee, you best delete blog this from your Reader right now!


For my lady friends:

In a random Google search for silly images, I found this article about why women should celebrate turning 40 and I liked it. It talks about a conversation with Oprah about turning 40 (Yes, even though I hardly ever watch her show, I worship at the 'Alter of Oprah'. I think she is amazing, inspiring, and deserves everything wonderful thing she has in her life. If you think or know different don't tell me. Some heroes should just remain heroes. Thank you)

Anyhoo, it ends with a Turning 40 - Top 40 List. It was written as a list of all things a black woman should have and have done by 40 and no, I am not a black woman (pick yourself up off the floor Lindy I know you are shocked ;o) ) but I thought it was a very cool list so I am posting it unedited.

The top 40 - why women should celebrate turning 40 - Column

Ebony, August, 1997 by Laura B. Randolph

1.) Peace of mind (and a piece of property).

2.) A will.

3.) Willpower.

4.) A savings account in your own name (and an IRA in the name of your future security).

5.) A mammogram.

6.) A manicure (not to mention a pedicure, a facial and a massage--all on the same day).

7.) A set of matching luggage.

8.) A ticket to some exotic place to unpack it.

9.) A great hairdresser, gynecologist and stockbroker.

10.) A passionate, fiery, unforgettable love affair.

11.) A little black dress that makes you look five pounds thinner.

12.) A sense of humor, style and purpose.

13.) A selfish streak.

14.) A spiritual foundation that gets you through a very bad night without going crazy.

15.) A facial foundation that gets you through a very long day without going ashy.

16.) A good bra.

17.) A good spa.

18.) A library card (used often).

19.) A credit card (used sparingly).

20.) At least one person in your life who says: "You call, I come."

21.) Good body language (multilingual!).

22.) A broken heart and the knowledge you can survive it.

23.) A cause celebre (domestic violence, infant mortality, save the whales--your choice).

24.) A personal relationship with God.

25.) A personal trainer.

26.) Selective amnesia ("What Saturday morning meeting?").

27.) Gall.

28.) A good skin-care regimen.

29.) The ability to converse on any subject without benefit of concrete knowledge or access to facts.

30.) A shocking secret.

31.) A pair of silk pajamas.

32.) A lifetime membership in at least one organization dedicated to uplifting Black folks (e.g., National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP).

33.) The phone number of someone who is good with their hands.

34.) At least one drop-dead, don't-speak-to-me-because-you-know-you-don't-know-me gorgeous photo of yourself.

35.) A friendship that has stood the test of time.

36.) One last chance to tell the guy you were crazy about in your 20s who treated you like cigarette ashes on the floor what you were too dumb to know when he walked out with your heart in his hands: "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

37.) A soul mate.

38.) Faith, hope and a good fantasy.

39.) A dream.

40.) A plan to make it come true.

Let's go kick some ass ladies. No matter what your age today!