To those of you who are reading this and are over 50, I apologize. Complaining about one’s age to someone who is older yields no compassionate response. However, I’m still a year away from the big 5-0, and I am stressing over it.

I’m 49 today (thank you), and if I had planned in advance, maybe I should’ve had a big blowout party now, instead of maybe next year when I commemorate the first anniversary of my 49th.

Milestone birthdays are tough, and yes I know it beats the alternative. I really stressed 30, but it came and went and wasn’t so bad. I don’t remember being as terrified of 40 as I am now of 50, but there are many reasons for that.

Fifty is half a century, five decades, a golden anniversary, two-and-a-half times the age you were when you were 20. It’s a long time. There’s lots to think about, decisions that were made that turned out great or turned out poorly, and self-examination is not one my favorite pasttimes.

The decision that brought me to Grass Valley, though, was a no-brainer, and has been nothing but positive. I don’t plan on being here for 50 years (that would make me 99), but I plan on enjoying the whole experience. Thanks to everyone at KNCO, but also all of the listeners and people I have met in the community.

Heck, I’m not a great long range planner anyway, and the big 5-0 is still 365 days away. I also love to procrastinate, so I’ll just put that stress away until later. I feel better now. Thanks.