The big three nine

So.... its two weeks after I'd turned 39 and I'd have to say, its not looking too bad up here.  Had a fantastic birthday week at work, lots of greetings and special treatments.  Planned a night out with some old friends and was getting plenty of ribbing about whether we'd make it to midnight.  We did ourselves proud that night, I had a fantastic time and that night was rated up there as one of the top nights for a long time.

On the home front, things are still slowly progressing with the house. Almost finalised the draft and have gone to the brick yards to pick out bricks, going for a darker look with nice white grout for some contrast.  The choice of brick is key, if chosen wrong, then a new house could look outdated quite quickly.

I'm now more focussed on career, studying for certification, putting my hand up for training at work and contemplating testing the waters of contracting.  I might do so in a few months.

Still nothing finalised for the big 40 and we're already halfway through this year.  Its a lot to organise and I'd obviously want to do it surrounded by close friends and family.  Not sure how it works if I decide to contract as well and take a few weeks to travel.  I guess its possible.  But throw in the new house and selling the old house, there's going to be a lot going on early next year.

Having an easy time of it at work, lots of periods of restlessness.  With 40 around the corner, it really does make me want to be in a good position next year.  Its kind of a milestone I guess.  When I turn 40 I want to look back and think, yep, I've done well, I'm in a good job, in a great house, lots of good friends and making real connections with people.  So far its looking ok but I'm not satisfied yet.

Also trying to keep my goal of early retirement on the radar.  Am looking at salary sacrificing and contracting to earn more money and once this house is built, invest in a couple of properties to solidify our bases and get some steady passive income happening.

I read in the paper about a woman who had a fantastic life material/wealth wise and threw it in to row across the ocean to find more in life.  She wrote two obituaries, one for the current life she had and one for the life she wanted and realised she wasn't happy to stay on the same path despite all the material wealth that most people strive for.  I think I will try that exercise.  Mind you, she ended up leaving her husband to embark on this adventure. I definitely don't intend to do that.