This September I will hit the big double nickel, with that comes an addition of a new menu at most restaurants and the developing wisdom that I am nowhere near as smart as I was 35 years ago.
That being said there are a few things I can still do for myself, and don't need North Dakota legislators to do for folks like me.
I've been married long enough to know that I'm certainly no expert on matrimony, but neither is the North Dakota Legislature. We don't need a law to tell us how long a person should wait before getting divorced, and there have been plenty of marriage studies already.
I know smoking, texting or any other distraction while driving is unhealthy and should I wreck my car I should face the current consequences the laws provide.
The curmudgeon that I have become doesn't appreciate anyone telling me how to pray, what to believe, or what I should be allowed to know.
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I think the ladybug is just about as cute as a bug can be, but designating it as the state insect won't make it anymore so or improve my life. Nor will having an official state waltz, or Latin motto.
I know the world is a lot smaller than it was when I was smarter, but I really don't think the government of Turkey cares what the North Dakota Legislature thinks they should do. Nor do I think the legislators should get mixed up in what the NCAA wants University of North Dakota to call its hockey team.
I don't think the state of North Dakota should enact bills to reverse national laws. We sent representatives to Washington for that and recently demonstrated the power of the vote to make changes with those who vote against the majorities' wish and besides the courts can determine the constitutionality of their laws.
The majority of North Dakota representatives swear they want smaller government, but judging by the more than 800 bills introduced this session I have a hard time believing it.
The folks serving in Bismarck are a lot smarter than me, but I would think if a new bill doesn't attempt to fix some pressing matter that the majority of North Dakotans are clamoring about or an impending emergency, there shouldn't be a new bill.
I know a lot less than I did when I was younger but do know that I'm usually grateful the Legislature only meets every other year and that we don't get half the government we pay for.
Brock is The Dickinson Press publisher. E-mail him at hbrock@thedickinsonpress.com .
