Staring Down The Big 4-0

I know this whole bit will make anyone over 50 laugh at me and anyone under 30 say "Oh yeah dude, you're gettin' old".  I'll try to ignore both of you.  A couple of people in the office had birthdays this week and I started thinking on my own.  It's still months away, but this is the year for the big 4-0.  I really had not been particularly worried about it until yesterday.  I really just started to contemplate this little milestone.  40.  Doesn't sound too bad if you say it fast.  But I remember 20 like it was yesterday.  Where did time go?  In 20 years time I've gotten married, raised kids, bought a home, been through four or five career changes, gone to college...whew!  I'm outta breath.  Should I invest in one of those runaround chairs?  Maybe a private nurse?  No, that won't work.  The wife would make me hire an ugly one and that ain't happening.  Should I be doing the aspirin-a-day thing right now?  Overreacting?  OK, so it's not THAT bad.  But I have to say, the speed of things seems to be picking up.  Of course, mama always did tell us crap runs downhill and picks up speed on the way.  All that said, part of me is kind of looking forward to the 40th.  I'm hoping the family will spare no expense on the cake and steak dinner (hint, hint).  I'm trying not to let myself dwell on some silly countdown-to-doom or anything like that.  But even with all that is going on in the world around us, suddenly, this approaching date has captured my attention like never before.  Maybe it won't be as big a deal as I think it could be.  But I'm not all that worried.  Later today I'll stop at the gas station.  The shock of that should do the trick.