Let’s just say I’ve been around for awhile, so I’ll not mention my exact age.

I remember when I was a child that I was excited to hit double digits. That 10th birthday was really exciting! I don’t remember if I had a party, but I probably had a friend or two spend the night.

Then, becoming a teenager was another highlight. Of course, the 16th birthday was a remarkable feat. I passed the written portion of the driver’s test and then proceeded to flunk the actual driving part. Who cared; I already had an old junker and I could legally drive with a licensed driver. So, I grabbed a 16 year-old friend (who was licensed) and we went for a drive – with a bunch of friends. I proceeded to lose control of the car when I was rat-racing another 16 year-old and ran into a ditch and was stuck. Nobody was hurt, but I learned a valuable lesson. A month later, I passed the driver’s test!

Then the 18th birthday came and went and then I hit the 21st one. My birthday fell on a Sunday and back then alcohol was scarce in Sundays. One place did take pity and sell to me on Saturday night fours hours before the legal time (They had my business for years after that).

After 21, the years seem to go by like a second hand; click, click, click. Between the ages of 21 and 22, I joined the Air Force. At 22, I was married and my bride has followed me around the world. She’s by far my best friend and confidant and marrying her was the best decision I’ve made.

So, what I have learned in all these years? Here are my top ten:
-Have a relationship with God
-Family is important
-Everyone’s pants go on one leg at a time
-People are not perfect
-There are (almost) always two sides to every story
-Those you look up to and admire soon forget about you
-Hard work pays off
-Don’t be late
-Lead by example
-Take time to listen

So, another birthday is coming up…click, click, click…