dudes and dudettes —   40 — as a wise 23 year old once told me, is just a number.  So, that is what we say to my pal in San Diego — who is looking towards this numeral — basically to be initiated on Monday.   But a cherry colored louis vuitton bag makes it almost worthwhile.  Sooooo……. currently in San Diego — and went to the races today at Del Mar.  My 40-year old pal – we made her wear glasses that are shaped into the number 40  — think funky glasses that are in the numbers 4–0 …. looking good.  You know, I’m an expert at the trifecta box — very fun – I actually won once — and then almost won two more times.  And, we did pop the cork on the dom perignon — hmmmmm……   that is a FINE thing, dom perignon — well worth the price!  Anyway, I should make an attempt to be philosophical here… since I am well over the big 4-0 — and, considering our welcome reception at a local watering hole — I think we’re doing ok ….  if we can convince younger folk that we are well under 40.  Some of us even fell out of a cab, on our knees — with the bouncer guy (all of 21, maybe) asking me, ‘ma’am , ma’am , are you ok?’ —  since when am I referred to as ma’am —-   ….  oh so disturbing …..    but – you know, it’s a number … and if you’re confident and at peace with your world — then 40 is a blip on the radar screen.  Wow. I’ve had some substantial amounts of alcohol this evening — and I gotta say — there is nothing wrong with being ‘over’ 40…..   (my knees are kinda sore)     ttfn