My last day as a 38-year-old lady.

Tomorrow is my birthday. I turn 39.

With so many of my friends freaking out about turning 40, 39 seems like a non-event. For that matter, turning 40 seems like none of my concern - kind of like circumcision. I know some people get really worked up about it, but it's not really my issue.

I guess that means that I like getting older. I'm happier.

Actually, I was way more Zen before I found a white eyebrow today, and before I spent 2 hours talking about marketing with a funeral director.

But still. I am happy.

I'm happy, and I'm thankful for another year. I'm glad I'm not dead yet. Too much to do.

Here's what I've learned - in no particular order:

• Marrying a computer nerd means you'll never have to set up a router again. Totally worth it.
• Sunscreen works. Use it religiously. You'll thank me at your 20-year reunion.
• Having a bad dog isn't necessarily a reflection on you as a person. Some dogs - like some people - are just a few sandwiches short of a picnic basket. Having 1 of those dogs - or people - in your family doesn't mean you're a bad person.
• Order dessert.
• Get your thyroid tested.
• Living in an old house is a great way to hide your housekeeping skills or lack thereof. That weird smell? Old house. That crooked wall? Totally made you overlook the giant dust bunny, right?
• If you feel like going to bed early, go to bed early. It feels decadent, and it's free.
• A kind, loving partner is worth the wait. You'll be glad you didn't settle. 
• Being the favorite aunt is super-cool, but sometimes, not being the mom is really hard.
• People say the wrong thing. Ninety percent of the time, they didn't mean it. Let it go. Or at least try.
• Expensive bras are worth it, especially if you're a lady of a certain ... biological wealth.
• Worrying is, sadly, not an Olympic sport. Put your imagination to better use. Like blogging!
• If it makes you feel bad, don't eat it. (Evidently, this doesn't apply to dogs and poo. They still eat it.)
• It doesn't matter how old you are - you always need your parents.
• French onion dip on a BLT is pretty much the best thing ever.
• No one knows what they're doing. We're all faking it, to varying degrees of success.
• Because I hate cleaning my car, paying to have it detailed is worth every penny. Sometimes, it's OK to throw money at a problem to make it go away.
• Don't badmouth your friend's ex because she might get back with him and then you'll feel dumb and she won't forget what you said. Unless he's a total tool, then eventually, she'll tell you how right you were.
• Everybody loves Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler." And if they say they don't, they're lying.

What have you learned so far?

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Wanna celebrate my birthday? Like noodleroux on Facebook and follow me on Twitter. Yes, I'm trying new things, even at my advanced age. I hope I don't break a hip.