39

39, maybe we got off on the wrong foot. Alright, I admit I got a little panicked when I saw you coming. But c'mon, you're funny looking. You've got that small three and then this big ass nine next to it, it just looks strange. Incongruous. I'm sorry I called you "crooked." I was just projecting. You're fine; I'm crooked. Now that you're here, I want to make things right. I'm going to accept you with open arms. Show you as much love as I showed 38. I know, I know, I was biased towards 38 because I love the number 8. She's my favorite number and she's always been good to me. Turn her on her side and she's infinity, you know. How many numbers can you say that about? None.

But you're good too. No, I'm not just saying that. We're gonna do some big things this year. We're gonna extend ourselves, venture into unknown territory, take some chances. We're going to get a car. We really need to get out of the city more. New York has too big a hold on us. It's a good relationship most of the time, but you know, once in awhile we need to break the chains that bind us. We need to take drives, go to Lake George, maybe the Finger Lakes region. Shit, maybe we'll just keep going until we get to Montreal. What do you say, 39? I want to see my parents more often, and my nephew D. and nieces O. and G. Love them all. I need a car and a car I shall have. And you're going to help me get one. Whaddaya say?

39, we're going to write more too. Time to get crackin' McCracken. And I don't just mean on Bloggy. No, we need to write stories. If Bloggy has to be a little lonely once in awhile, he's just going to have to suck it up. 37 and 38 spoiled his ass. We're going to get serious and write some stories.

Oh and 39, you're going to help me become less cynical about relationships. 38 was asleep at the wheel in that area. Salty dog. Can't blame him too much though, since he was there for the breakup with H. He couldn't deal after that. He seemed tired. Jaded. But 39, we're gonna bring it back, aren't we? The motivation, the curiosity, the desire. Less sulk, more rock, that's what I'm talking about! Sure, the cute girl we met tonight at Lucky Jack's was engaged. That's okay, that's gonna happen sometimes. How were we to know that the reason she didn't have a ring on was because she was having it adjusted? That's just the breaks, man. It was our first couple of hours together. We'll get better. With you by my side 39, we'll overcome any obstacle.

Already I'm finding that you're everywhere, 39. At the gym tonight, I intentionally put my bag in locker #39. And when I got home, there were not one, but TWO birthday cards from dear old Sister J. and the childrens waiting for me. Both of them had postage stamps that said "Happy Birthday" with 39¢. Got teary-eyed when I saw the kids' green crayoned "I Love You." But no mushy stuff, eh? The point is, you were there too. Right on the envelope. We're serious partners now, you and I, 39. No more backtalk.

Honestly, we don't have much of a choice, we're stuck with each other. We gotta have each other's back because next year, NEXT year, there'll be a bully shufflin' on down Baker Street. He walks tall, carries a big stick, and doesn't fuck around.

He's 40.