What does turning 40 mean to you?

[Crankin]

Well, I have found that the "0" birthdays don't bother me, but some of the other ones do. I am 53. Thirty seems like a million years ago and I think I look a little better than I did at 40. I looked like crap at 20, but at 25 I began working out and eating right. When I was about 45-6, I started gaining weight and felt like a fat middle aged woman. I was sick of the gym and aerobics. I started cycling at 47 and got back on track. It's funny, that is probably why 45 bothered me. Most people think I look young for my age, but I have some serious wrinkles that run in my family (laugh lines) on both sides. I'd love to do Restylane, but one part of me won't spend the money and the other part says that's extremely vain. Reading glasses don't bother me though and I've been wearing them for a long time. On the other hand, it does take me longer to recover from hard riding and I definitely need long warm ups. I've had annoying age related health things that I wish I didn't have to think about. But, what I notice most is my attitude! I don't care what people think and I will speak out much more often. Little kids annoy me at times. Yes, I'm a teacher, but I am talking about little kids in public places who have parents that haven't taught them how to behave! I can picture being a grandparent now, more than being a parent of a young child. I feel pretty old at work now; a lot of the teachers are the same age as my older son (24). Though, they don't think I am old, but I definitely do not want to be out partying with them on Friday nights...
Generally, my life has been really good, except for a bad patch in my early 20s. I have a great husband and I am friends with my adult children. I'm getting to quit my job to do what I want to do this year, so I guess it's on to the next phase of life.

[AuntieK]

Thanks to all of you for your inspiring comments! DH is turning the big 4 oh in one month, and now I'll have some nicer things to say to him than, "Ha, ha you're older than me." (Of course he already knows that.)

[Dianyla]

Hopefully turning 40 will mean that I'm finished with med school.