The Answer To Life, The Universe And Everything

I AM THE ANSWER, or rather I will be tomorrow. You see tomorrow I become the Answer To Life, The Universe And Everything… and I’m not quite sure what to expect going forward.

If you know what I’m talking about then you’re about as old as me too, and you remember the iconic pop-culture reference as well as I do. If not… well then you’re probably too young to know what I’m talking about and I can’t be arsed explaining it to you, so go search for the reference on the ‘Net and it will all make sense for you.

There was a time I thought I wouldn’t make it this far. I used to think I’d never make it past thirty. Hell, now that I think of it, I’m only five years off the age my father was when he died of a massive heart attack… so that’s something to look forward to I suppose!

I think the symptoms that were supposed to kick in a few years ago when I hit the so-called mid-life crisis point were offset by my Year of Debauchery, so now – as The Answer rapidly approaches – they are returning with a vengeance. I’m starting to take stock and look backwards at where I was and how I got here. I’m also starting to become more and more concerned about what happens next… which is an odd and new experience, for me anyway.

In my head I’m still fifteen and in my heart time has no dominion. I still marvel at the way a plane stays in the air. I still love cartoons and cool animation with a jealousy approching rage when I think of the talent the folks that create such wonders have. I have never been able to shake my absolute love of cinema with the whole popcorn and coke thing and I’m still blown away by something as simple as the sight of a full moon on a clear night. I suppose I still get excited by the smallest of things. Most of the time I just get on with stuff, and dream my way through the horrible realities we all face and continue to hope for a lotto win to ease the burden of having to work to live – just like you I suppose.

It’s actually weird to think I’ve been working for more years now than not; so basically over half my life has been in pursuit of Wonga. Cashola. Paydirt and all it entails. Still there are some things that make me smile when I look back. Those friends I made [for life] actually turned out to be just that, hell I even married one of ‘em. Those principles I made such a big deal about when I was young and dumb actually did matter and make a difference; they still do. The life I have now is not even close to the one I’d imagined when I was young; it’s way better. And as for a career… I’m constantly amazed anyone wants to pay me for my opinion, but they do anyway. One of these days someone will take a good look behind the wizard wall and realise there really is nothing more there than a big kid playing at living an adult’s life.

And yet there is a feeling creeping in from the peiphery now that perhaps things are happening faster than before, that maybe I’ve less time ahead than I had behind me and that somehow I should grow up and really take stock of things… but the child inside is still firmly in control and my imagination constantly outpaces my good sense, so I guess for now I’ll keep that particular genie in his box and just continue to bounce along and see what happens next.

I suppose the main thing is to remember the central advice of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy… DON’T PANIC!

Ah what the hell… Happy Birthday To MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!