This Monday I got to experience the flipping of another decade.  I’ve entered the 40’s, yet I still feel like I’m in my 30’s…or 20’s for that matter.  Maybe it’ll catch up with me someday but for now I’m living life without letting a psychological number make me feel old.  I hate it when people blame lifestyle changes on age or changes within their control (weight, being out of shape, etc.).  Sure there are many debilitating issues that can create barriers in life but it’s up to us as individuals to overcome those challenges.

So let’s back up to Sunday, Father’s Day.  JoAnna surprised me with a new Traeger smoker in the front yard.  What an awesome wife!  Then I spoke 4 times at Church on the Ridge, giving my Blind Descent presentation.  I recently revamped the slides to include more video from Everest, military and television.  The feedback was great and I was able to sign a lot of books between services.  It was a big, emotional day but the impact was huge and that’s all that matters.  My 2015 is starting fill up as I’m getting a lot of requests to travel around to speak in various parts of the US and Canada.  I’m also having JoAnna be a part of some of the presentations since her perspective as a supportive and faithful wife is very impactful for others to hear.

Monday was my official birthday and I knew something was up so I was giving JoAnna a hard time, teasing her as we drove to what she called a ‘date night dinner’.  What I didn’t realize was what magnitude she went to make my 40th as special as it was.  She rented out a local wine cellar  in Snoqualmie and had 40-50 of my friends waiting there.  I figured I was going to have a small surprise party or something but when I walked in and saw all the people I was in shock for a moment.  It is such a blessing to have so many good friends.  I’m not the type of person that likes ‘me’ days but I got over that really quick and embraced the moment.  JoAnna is beyond amazing and I truly don’t know what I did to deserve her.

I’ve had a surprise birthday party with lots of friends, took a limo to see the Seahawks practice and went to the Fray concert.  Friday I’m driving a Nascar type car around a track and in a few weeks I’m flying an acrobatic airplane.  So far 40 is great!