Reflections On Turning 44...

My recent 44th birthday was one of a little introspection, thankfullness and a certain amount of contemplation and contentedness. I wanted to list some things that came to mind and happened on that day, in no particular order.

• I'm happy to be here
• My wife and children cooked a great southern meal for dinner "supper", consisting of salmon croquettes, boiled okra, boiled small potatoes, black eyed peas, squash, squash casserole, cornbread, fresh garden tomatoes and double layer chocolate cake with oreo topping. I had two pieces. Fasted from the change in diet for the day in order to partake.
• My little sister took me to lunch at the Starving Artist's Cafe. Had the chicken crepes and little roasted potatoes. MMM. Thank you sis for the treat and the company.
• Got calls from Dad, Mom, Roger, Dubya, Connie, Brother K, The Montana Inlaws and Cousin Gwyn. Even talked to "Uncle Daren" right before I hit the hay.
• Received new guitar picks, a guitar strap and....my own "manly" cooking apron from my wife and children. Mrs. Arkanblogger must have gotten tired of my wearing her "prints".
• I'm half of 88 and twice 22. Simple math skills still work.
• Hair on my head is getting increasingly grey. Fine by me. I wouldn't dye one strand, even if you paid for it.
• Hair on my head is getting a "skosh" thinner on the crown. I can't see it. Also find by me. Note...no videotaping me from behind....and if you dare, don't show it to me. "with knowledge comes much sorrow."
• Hair appearing on ears is a little disturbing. Must procure a device to easily rid myself of these things.
• Hair in nose gets trimmed more frequently than hair on head.
• Mutant "mad scientist" eyebrow hairs are also disconcerting and in need of constant vigilance.
• Enough about hair.
• Most of the time, I still feel like I'm in my early 20's.
• Have plenty of friends on both sides of 44.
• Our home is "central" for me...due to the live occupants. Certainly not the inanimate ones.
• I still like the cat.
• Sometimes...I kind of miss the dog. A little. Kind of. Barely. Eehhh.
• Family is great.
• You can keep the metro Denver area but I still miss the West. States of Colorado, Montana, South Dakota. Even western Nebrasksa and most of Wyoming. Probably always will. The sky. The mountains. The air. 'Sigh'
• My daughters are all getting older, smarter and prettier. Ditto for my son, but handsome.
• I love having been married to Mrs. Arkanblogger for over 20 years.
• I have seen all but 1 of my grandparents pass but was fortunate enough to have them all a part of my life.
• I even knew my great grandfather and 2 great grandmothers.
• Was given lots of history of my family/heritage, which I hold dear.
• My understanding of the Christian faith is a constant work in progress. A certified journey.
• Still have a coffee with one of my childhood friends (Daren) about once a month or so.
• We live a block from where we were married.
• I love it when our children have their friends over. Bonus. The activity makes it a home.
• I'll probably buy another fixer-upper. That's what I do.
• I'll probably never buy a new car. That's what I don't do. Thanks Dad. GRRR.
• I have a few sun-spots on my face from driving in my car (according to the skin dentist)for so many years. Bugs me a little bit. Kind of blends in with the freckles though.
• I'll drop that 25 lbs. in a month or 2 and be in shape for December in Montana.
• The flooring industry has been my work home for 19 years. YIKES!!! Floors!!! Floors???
• I'm still happy to be here.

-The Arkanblogger AKA "Bruce"