Countdown: 5 . . .

It's only 5 days away. I used to think I would feel older when I got here. I don't (most of the time - except in the morning when there is a lot more creaking and popping than there used to be).

I definitely feel young - even though the young dogs remind me that in their mind I really am old.

In my mind I am still somewhere between 18 and 21. My wife would argue that it is somewhere between 12 and 14.

Oh well... time waits for no man.

So as you count down to the big day with me, here are some thoughts to live by, supposedly from the Dalai Lama (Not really. Snopes.com points out that it's just an urban legend. Nonetheless, it's good stuff).

I have actually learned some of these things in the past 39 years. Others I am still working on.

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R'’s: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don'’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

By the way... that's me at my 3rd birthday party.

HT: Seth's Blog