A Penny For My Thoughts

“Now I’m In My Second Circle And I’m Headed For The Top”

By Paul Wein

I’m 38 years old today. While every birthday is a significant event – this one is unique because I am now the age that my father was when he passed away. While a good portion of me finds that very creepy – another part of me took a long, hard look at my life and where it is now – and thankfully in doing so – I realize that I am in a very, very good place.

Not even a month into 2010, I am proud to say that my job is going very well. I have developed some great relationships with my Government leads, earned the respect of my fellow colleagues – and now lead the team I once joined as a rookie. While I am very humbled and proud at this achievement – it did not come without a tremendous amount of hard work and effort – that in the end – was well worth it.

While I cannot go into specifics as to what I do, I can say that I am part of an organization that supports our men and women overseas. What an honor it is for me to work side by side with Soldiers and help them do their job. I once was the guest speaker at the graduation of my alma matter, Sheepshead Bay High School and told the soon-to-be college students that success is not the acquisition of wealth or material possessions – but the joy of knowing that when you wake up in the morning to go to work – you look forward to the day ahead because you love what you do…

…thankfully – that is exactly where I am in my life right now.

If I had my way, I would not leave this job until I retire. I work with some really great people, I travel a lot – including going to Kentucky next week and Maryland the week after that – but most importantly – I am contributing to our Nation’s fight against terrorists. I thank God each and every day that He blessed me with this job and try to perform to the best of my ability every time I step on to my Fort. If you told me that when I was two years away from 40 that I would be living in New Jersey working for the Army – I would have laughed at you…

…but who’s laughing now.

So as I celebrate my 38th birthday with the woman I will spend every remaining birthday with – my Julie – I will look forward to many more with her – and with this incredible job.

Happy Birthday indeed.

“Been a long, long road, kinda rocky and rough.
I never once said, ‘Buddy, I’ve had enough.’
Nothing is better and brighter until you’re older and sitting on top of the hill.
Money is the root of all evil they say.
I never had the time put any away.
I never got rich on the money I made.
I’m over the hill – now it’s all downgrade.
I’m over the hill in the free mountain air.
Don’t need your retirements or your rocking chair.
A little bit of loving is all that I need.
I’m over the hill and I’m picking up speed.
A pretty little woman always by my side.
Not too long ago I made her my bride.
She can sit back and watch me take the lead.
I’m over the hill and I’m picking up speed.”
Eddie Coffey – Over The Hill