I'm Freaking Forty

This summer, I went to see Kid Rock headline at Summerfest (the world's largest music festival) :) with my good friend, Renni. Kid Rock had just turned 40 this year and wrote a song about it. I remember telling Renni that all I want for my birthday is for somebody to blast that song. Because my impending 40th (and don't try to tell me it's the new 30) is only 13 days away. I thought I'd share his song with you.

Kid Rock – Forty Lyrics
Well, I guess I’m freaking forty,
I can’t say that I am thrilled
I never dated Winona Ryder,
I probably never will.
Well I guess I’m freaking forty,
Oh, but I’m better off than some,
Well I might be freaking forty,
But you’re freaking forty-one.
Well I guess I’m freaking forty,
Now all the kids call me old man,
I need glasses and Alka Seltzer,
And a freaking prostate exam.
I guess I’m freaking forty,
But I’m better off than you!
Well I might be freaking forty,
But you’re freaking forty-two.
All right!
Well, I guess I’m freaking forty,
Well I’m a petered out Peter Pan,
And sometimes I feel foolish,
I make my living singing in this band.
I guess I’m freaking forty,
Well that’s what my momma said,
But Bruce Springsteen’s freaking sixty-two
And the Stones are almost dead.
Well, I guess I’m freaking forty,
I can’t say that I am thrilled.
Well still I’m a buck wild loving cowboy,
I don’t need them little blue pills.
I guess I’m freaking forty,
But it ain’t no thing to me,
Well I might be freaking forty,
Hell I’m lying, I’m forty-three!
Ye-Hah!

And, you can hear the song and check out the video here: http://www.musicstop.org/kid-rock-forty-lyrics-with-video

Heaven Or Hell On Earth

I didn't write this poem. Though, I must admit that I wish I would have. I think it is beautiful and brilliant. I have given credit to the true author below. Enjoy!

This poem provides a contrast between heaven and hell, as revealed by our relationships. Since we are all related and connected, our thoughts, words, and actions have a very real effect on others. The extent to which we value and affirm ourselves and others is the extent to which we create heaven on earth. And the extent to which we emphasize the mistakes of ourselves and others is the extent to which we create hell on earth.

Other People by © Alan Steinle

Hell is other people.
—Jean-Paul Sartre

Hell is other people who
No matter what you do
Always find something to judge
They drag you through the sludge
And see through your thin disguise
As they shred you with their eyes
All their faults and lack
They place upon your back
Unable to see their own transgression
It becomes their only obsession
To find all of your flaws
And all your broken laws
And they won’t even let you live
Because they refuse to forgive

Heaven is other people who
No matter what you do
Choose to see the best
In you and forget the rest
They don’t dwell on your sin
Since they want all to win
They don’t create divisions
By their prideful derisions
Of those with whom they differ
For they know that the transfer
Of their own guilt to another
Will come back and smother
Their efforts to be free
And their search for unity