31

I turned 31 yesterday and I feel like I turned 31. I can take it either way. Hooray for being old enough to be married and a homeowner. Hooray for being old enough to be taken seriously in most settings. There's a caveat to that. Save for some crazy ear hair and an assortment of grays and whites that do battle with my receding hairline for attention I still look pretty young. I occasionally get the "Wow. You don't look that old." from various young people who think they're older than me because they don't notice things like a wedding ring and the details noted above. I can add a few years by letting my beard grow in but I've grown tired of having one and have been going without.

Within the last year that's lessened since pretty much nobody asks for my credentials anymore. The only thing that makes an attempt to say, "Hey buddy, you're still young." is the self checkout at Wal*Mart when I try to buy an R Rated movie. I should do that more often.

I'm happy in general but I think I'd be happier if I was in my mid 20's. I think I'd do it better a second time around. I'd avoid younger people since they just thought I was dumb.