Pic taken today, holding snapshot from July 1995.

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Lordy, lordy - fugi's 40!!!

Today is one huge f*cking milestone for this chick. Before this 3rd (HP willing, last) round of one-day-at-a-times nobody held much hope I'd make it to age 30. Even 40 had been a long shot for a broader period than I'd care to admit...

Got a powerful gift today from some soon-to-no-longer-be-strangers. A few weeks ago Pat found an incredible internet radio station while testing some settings on an Xbox: 9412 The Rock Station. (visit) This fully member-supported station isn't only about the music; it's about the community as well. I've been taking the occasional break from cranking out HTML to hang in their chatroom. TheCount was taking requests for 3-packs, so I figured I had nothing to lose.

There are so many songs that I could arrange into an all-too-complete musical autobiography. This afternoon I could only choose three. Goddess, please bless The Count and all the wonderful folks who shared those very emotionally intense moments with me in the chat. It's doubtful that any explanation is needed for my selections and their order.

1. "Mr. Brownstone" (Guns 'N Roses) lyrics
2. "Desperado" (Eagles) lyrics
3. "Amazing" (Aerosmith) lyrics

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Since I've been contemplating this day for a while, y'all are gonna have to suck it up. Here's just a smattering of observations I've been jotting for the past month...

Things I've learned in 40 years:

There's a difference between the improbable and the impossible. Research the former before decreeing the latter. I'd rather be fat and happy than skinny and psychotic. Love doesn't divide; it multiplies. Procreation is a given. Life is a gift. Contraception is a choice. When the Shit Fairy leaves you a huge steaming pile, turn as much of it as possible into fertilizer. The degree of an individual's disability is often directly proportional to their self-perception. "[Higher Power], please drop a large, heavy boulder on [jerkazoid]'s head so I don't have to," and "[Higher Power], please give [buttmunch] everything s/he deserves," are fair prayers. When having f2f dealings with customer service reps, always keep a red pen blatantly visible in your hand. Clear barrelled gel sticks work best. "Promises" are too easily broken and carry little credibility. On major personal issues only one's word of honor should be given or accepted. There are very few truly stupid questions. Perfection is overrated. There is no such thing as a perfect parent. Time does "wound all heels." The only thing that delays this is the lack of a cosmic fast-forward button. Thank goodness for the divine interventions of instant karma. Laughter may be the best medicine, but its effectiveness is amplified when mixed with love."

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