Adam Green: Life was meant to begin at 40

Adam Green had the pleasure of his co-host Megan Banks' company at his 40th birthday bash. Photo / File

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OPINION:
I recently turned 40. "Life begins there" say the people and the song. "My 40s were my favourite decade" others chime in.

And you know what? It's not so bad so far. I still manage a walk around the block with the dog without a walking stick (Though I do love picking up a nice piece of manuka on a bush walk) and the hangovers only last four and a half days.

But the problem with a January birthday is that people are broke. Kaput. Spent out. Holidays, Christmas, barbecues, new year, so many occasions people have already spent money on it's tough to throw a party.

Regardless, I tried. We invited Six60 to come and party on my big hard deck. Chris Mac was keen, pretty sure Marlon was too, but you know, busy schedule with the whole nationwide concert tour thing. It didn't work out.

So out went the invites, it was a Sunday, so I decided on 'casual bbq" "Hey guys" started the message: "Casual bbq at mine for my 40th Sunday. Come over from midday, if you want."

With high hopes, I fired it off and set about planning what I would do with the stampede of hungry friends showing up at my door.

The big day arrived, and I awoke to the usual barrage of early morning "Happy Birthday Dad," from the family. I'd received a couple of vague replies, the kind you send when you're a no but don't want to say no. "Oh, we have this thing on that might be happening so will maybe have to check the thing before your thing but would love to but will just have to see!"

Not wanting to over cater, I grabbed two bags of chips, two bags of ice and 600 beers. *May or may not be an accurate number* and awaited the arrival of the masses. And I waited, and waited, and Megan, my co-host and friend, showed up. And that's it. Megan and her family.

The invites, like dust in the wind, had drifted in and out of people's in boxes with nary a thought of a visit.

And so, it is with careful consideration and a great deal of contemplation, I've decided I didn't turn 40 after all, it was a regular weekend, and my birthday is on the way. Now, who wants an invite? The big hard deck's ready and waiting!