37 Years and Counting
So the 37th birthday is fast approaching. I’m officially late 30’s now. No longer can I refer to myself as "mid-30’s". Of course, in the gay world, I’m reaching the daddy stage. Another 10 years and I’ll be considered obsolete. Not that I give a flying fuck mind you. I get a giggle out of how we perceive age in Western culture. It’s as if the idea of having shiny new possessions has transferred itself into our collective consciousness regarding self-image. It doesn’t help we are constantly bombarded by images of the young and beautiful. Images re-enforced with the message that if you want to be accepted you have to look the part. As my English counterparts might say, "bollocks to that!" Age is a state of mind. You are only as old as you feel. And frankly, I don’t feel that old. And never really being someone who "fit in" in the first place, I’m not about to start trying now.
I was teasing my buddy Urswine Addiction the other day about being an old man.1 It suddenly hit me that my own birthday is fast approaching. I look back on the span of years that is my life and it doesn’t really feel like 37 years have passed. I’m sure focusing so many years on just surviving has something to do with it. That said, I think there is more to it. I don’t feel 37. Hell, I barely feel 30. Maybe it is because my life is still in a bit of flux. I’m still looking at changing gears career wise. And lord knows, I’ve struggling emotionally in the last 7 years. Do these things play their part in my feelings of "not old"? I do wonder. I mean most guys my age are settled by now. I’m left to wonder if my late start in life has helped me hold onto my feelings of youthfulness.2
In the end, I guess I really don’t care what it is that makes me feel so young. I like it and that is enough. So I’m not young, buff, and hung, anymore. Big deal. My life has only improved as I age. Sure, there have been setbacks. Plenty to speak of actually. But isn’t that the point? Shouldn’t we care more about a life lived than a life perfect? So,I have a few less hairs on top, a few more hairs elsewhere, and a handful of wrinkles sprinkled in for flavor. As the ever fabulous Miss Coco Peru once said, ‘I earned it bitches!’
Of course, don’t mind me. I’m just a doddering old fool spouting off nonsense in his old age. Turn the page to something shiny and new. Ahhhhh! The bliss of forgetfulness. teehee
- He just turned 30 this past week. [↩]
- I thought it was a made up word. However, according to Google, someone beat me to it already. Damn! There goes my idea to get rich quick. [↩]
Reader Comments
Whoever came up with that phrase, “40 is the new 30″ is on target. Because it seems that life has gotten complicated enough that many of us don’t ’settle’ till our 40’s. But I’m glad you don’t feel old. You shouldn’t! But what’s up with your penis losing size or mass with age? You may want to get that checked
Glad to see that your ginormous manhood is still intact in spite of your advanced age!
I *almost* take offense to that fifth sentence, young Sir.
Hey there, when is your b-day? Are you a winter baby, along with me (Feb. 19)?? Happy days, oh young one. Oh hot one. Cheers for a hell of a day and great time of celebration. I think we get better as we age…like good cheese or wine.
I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. I remember when I was 37…
Whatevs, you’re not old. When we hung out this past summer I didn’t even think about your age once. I’ll call you daddy though if you really want me to
“Another 10 years and I’ll be considered obsolete.”
Gee, thanx Dude!
Like you said, it is about how you feel like, not the real age. You are not old based on all the nice active posts you wrote here.
Ha!! Just wait until your 65 physical years old and have a younger mind.
I agree with everything you said. I’m turning 30 next month and it would be a lie to say that I don’t care, but I’m not freaked out either. What does freak me out, though, is thinking an event happened five years ago when it really happened 18 years ago. Like, seriously, what the hell have I been doing?
You are still a sexy guy, just wipe that spittle off your chin first! LOL! I am going into my mid 30’s this year and, more so I think being a gay man, it is easy for me to stay 27 for quite some time! Age is a number that just chronicles how many times you have seen the moon! I know 25 year olds that act like they are 80, and I know 80 year olds that act like they are 25. You will be 32 to me until you get that Rascal!
I’m hitting the big “4 oh” this year and I’m looking forward to it. I still think of myself as being in my 20’s but I definitely wouldn’t want to go back there. Not only do I feel that getting older is an accomplishment, but I’m enjoying it. With age comes wisdom (if you’re doing it right that is).
If you’re old enough to be a daddy, then at 59, I guess that makes me a granddaddy. And yet…physically, yes, but mentally and emotionally, not really. I think that I still think and feel like I ever did, even when I was a kid. We grow, we mature, etc, but very often, I think we don’t really change that much in our outlook, or our attitude. Twenty years from now when you’re 57, come back and read what you’ve written, and you’ll see. I, of course, will be 79 by then, and probably not able to read anything without a magnifying glass.
Hell I was 37 when I met my partner and we have been going strong for 5 years now….the best of life is ahead of you….enjoy the ride!
I became “obsolete” last month, and I’ve got news for you . . . it ain’t bad at all. I get so much attention from guys 15-20 years my junior, and I’m lovin’ it. Of course my partner, who falls into that young ‘un age range, keeps me on a short leash.
Lots of people told me “40 is the new 30″ on my birthday last October. I love being 40. I’ve aged well, my head is screwed on straighter (you know what I mean) than ever, my life is where I want it, I have the salt-n-pepper hair starting but still have a baby face …
I am SO looking forward to 50. All y’all twinks who think anyone over 25 is “old” - it’s funny how we laugh at you (in a “remembering what we were like then” way) as much as you laugh at us (in a “Jesus Mary and Joseph you’re old!” way).
We all hit all decades of life, if we’re lucky. Enjoy wherever you’re at!
Moby: my approaching 37 entry from almost FOUR years ago: http://bigrob66.info/?p=209
I remember Frank and John now. I was annoyed that I couldn’t comment on their blog. Grrrrr. I put Frank on my blogroll anyway, like, WOOF
Ooops. I just read it. I was approaching 38. Nevermind…
I am THRILLED you are going to be 37. I have been OLDER than you for the last six months. Finally, we are the same age again! Woohoo. Let’s hope you get as mature as I am this time around. Or not. LOL.
Happy Birthday, I remember 37, that was ahhhhhhh 15 years ago!
Damn! you could be my love child, then we could be incestuous
Age is just a number. Cliche, but true. What’s the date?
mmmmm, DILF. That’s alright with me
You just indirectly called me Daddy. Hrmm.
I am 37 this coming May 17th…I still feel like a 10 year old playing grown up, and not always successfully pulling it off…enjoy your birthday, and life, no matter what year it is…you are alive until you are dead, so keep living laughing and loving….
Happy Birthday, Sexy!
It IS just a number. A frame of mind.
Please accept my birthday wishes and many happy returns of the day.
I had no idea you were *that* old
But seriously, my 30’s were pretty much hell, I’m glad they’re over with and I can embrace something new.
You are a sexy man, and get sexier i’m sure as you age.
Congrats Moby! This year I turn 37 too (in July). Live it up!
Happy belated b-day, Moby!