Hurtling Towards 50

I have sort of been living in denial all year...denying that I would ever be anything other than 49 years old.  But here we are on the cusp of November and December is looming large and reality is finally setting in, for at the stroke of midnight, Dec 4th, Costa Rica Guy turns the page on another decade.  Yes, I will be 50 and there just isn't any way to avoid it at this point....well, there is one way, but let's not go there.  I guess turning 50 has me waxing nostalgic, evidenced by recent posts to my Facebook page of Grateful Dead and Little Feat tunes.  But what's the big deal about 50 anyway?  I mean, isn't 50 the new 40?  I don't really feel that old.  However, as Hank Williams Jr. so eloquently stated, "the hangovers [do] hurt more than they use to."  As one who often rails against materialism, I can't say I have much material to show for my 50 years of accumulatory existence on this great planet.  About the only thing I have accumulated is a few too many inches around the waist line and a whole hell of a lot of great experiences.  The things I am most proud of are four incredibly bright, good looking and good hearted kids.  And, yes of course, they primarily have their mother to thank for all those admirable qualites....yet proud I am nonetheless.  But you know, I am secretly looking forward to the next decade.  I believe it might finally reveal the answer to that question that has plagued me for the previous 26,280,000 minutes of my existence....the question that asks, "why am I here?"  And if it doesn't, well I still have my 60's, now don't I?  This post is not a cheap and under-handed way to encourage anyone out there to send me a birthday present, really!  But just in case you might be thinking about it, send cash please!