Forty

So... I turn 40 this month. Where did the years go? What are some things I have learned in the past 40 years? Heres a list of forty things I feel are important.

1) Dont sell yourself short. Trust in yourself...you can do anything you set your mind to.


2) First impressions are important. Make a good one and trust your instincts with others.


3) When you come across people that tell you what to do and what to believe in, walk the other way.


4) Good friends are hard to find. Even more rare are the friends who have your back no matter what.


5) Keep the friends mentioned in #4 close to your heart.


6) Stay the fuck off the train tracks. I cant stress this enough.

Jalama train trestle. Do not go on there...

7) Find your passion in life and always stay connected to it whether in work, play or love.


8) You get one go around at life...live it good.


9) Look at everything as an experience. Good or bad. Soak it up and learn from it.


10) Guacamole is a must when entertaining. Add lime to make it not turn brown.


11) Sand in your bed means you had a fun day.

4th of July 2011

12) Always stop at lemonade stands.

Solid Lemonade Stand

13) Smile often and hug always.

Maddy and Anna

14) Never be afraid to tell someone you love them.

15) Be nice to hobos...sometimes they have the best stories.

Urban Camper by Washington Street

16) Its your life. Dont wait for someone to tell you what to do. Get to it.


17) Lead, dont follow.


18) Travel often and if you must work, do what you love!


19) There are two ships you dont want to be on...a sinking ship and a partnership.


20) Fight for what you believe in. Write letters, go to meetings, use your voice!


21) Older means wiser and more experienced. This comes in handy in the bedroom and at backgammon.


22) Dont act old. At 60, my dad used to say he was the oldest teenager he knew... Stay gold.

Anna

23) Its fun to make new friends. Say hello to someone.

24) A good dog is one of the best friendships you will ever have. RIP Jefferson.

Jefferson

25) Take time to watch sunsets and to sit still.

My moms house

26) The ocean will keep you young. Go surf.

ODB

27) Fijians are the sweetest people on earth.

Tavarua Family

28) Dont forget who you are or where you came from.

Me in a PB alley behind my house 1979

29) Its never too late to find love and start over.

30) The Shawshank Redemption and Big Lebowski are the best movies ever.


31) Snuggles and 10,000 kisses are a great way to wake up or go to bed.


32) Good food, good people and love make for a happy home.

33) Dont be a dick.


34) Make something with your own hands.

My #3 board. A little crooked but it rips

35) Dont be afraid to have your own opinion...even if its unpopular.


36) A good cat cuddle session is always a great stress reliever.

Anna and Gary the Cat

37) Take lots of photos. As you age, they become your memory.


38) Kids are the greatest gift. Learn from their openness and unconditional love. Be silly and laugh.

Bubble Gum Alley SLO

39) Swim in a warm ocean in the tropics and cleanse your soul.

Tavarua

40) Get ready for the second half of life with a smile on your face and love in your heart.