Old Man Yells at Cloud
Effective immediately, I'm protected by the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 š“š»
Despite my best efforts, Iām turning 40 today. Itās a somber day for me, as Iām another year olderā¦
Nah, just kidding. Itās literally just a number, and Iām totally comfortable with it :) My back hurts, but itās been like this for decades so no changes here.
Still, I want to tally up some things. You know, āZukerberg is a quadrillionaire, and what have you acheieved?!ā kind of thing.
First, the best way to be permanently unhappy is to compare yourself to others. Not gonna happen; it only makes sense to compare yourself to yourself yesterday.
Second, Iām doing fine. Iāve got my family, a place to live (and call my own at that!), a job I like, and a bunch of hobbies. I have my books, my journals, and a firepit in my backyard. I do my little things trying to make the world a better place even if in a small way.
I was born in the Soviet Union, lived most of my adult life in Russia, moved to Canada, then to the U.S., and made it here too. In total, Iāve moved ~13 times since turning 18 (including 2 immigrations). Iāve made some friends along the way, and only a few enemies.
I almost got my private pilot license (and I still may get it at some point). I hiked around a volcano, piloted an airplane over the Hoover Dam, joined, started and failed a few businesses, and had a podcast for over 14 years. I helped a few good people meet each other, and Iām mostly proud of folks in my close circle.
Iād worked as a paper delivery carrier, a reporter (and a frontline one at that), an editor of a magazine, radio host, editor, producer, DJ; Iād been a college student in my 30s and the oldest person in my class. Iād been unemployed, been a landlord, a contractor at three different Fortune 50 companies, and a full-time software engineer.
Most importantly, Iām not embarrased by how I live my life. I stand with those less privileged and less fortunate than me. I think Iām on the side of justice more often than not, and Iām not afraid of the future generationsā eventual scrutiny of my life. I try to live my life honestly, give back whenever I can, and Iām convinced that this is a big part of why Iām so organically comfortable with myself. Iāve got a head full of gray hair, and Iām going bald, and itās ok with me :)
Hereās to the next 40 years!
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P.S. Obligatory āget off my lawn, you darn kidsā! Going to buy a Harley, a leather jacket and suspenders, and join other old farts in bitching about the good old days. Just watch me! :))
P.P.S. As a āclass of ā99ā person, I shoudāve really used more sunscreen :)