I’ve been known to obsess over many things. Health. Sports. Music. Writing. Reruns of The Office. Donald Trump. And those are just a few of my obsessions. But lately, I’ve been obsessing over a particular number.

Actually, it’s been more than lately. This obsession began on June 12, 2021. That was the day after my last birthday. That was the day after I turned sixty-nine years old. That was the day I started to think and really overthink about the next number. That was the day I started the obsession with the number 70.

It wasn’t a constant obsession. I didn’t think about it all the time. I didn’t even think about it every day. In fact, I was pretty good about it for close to six months. It was still more of a concept at that point. But, when 2022 began, it became more real.

The reason for this is Facebook. Almost every day, Zuckerberg and his ilk remind me with a notification that a friend, acquaintance or former classmate has reached this kind of magical number.

It began on the second day of January when I was informed that a college friend was celebrating her seventieth. Last week, it came to a head when I wished five former classmates a happy seven decades.

While the number and age 70 is scary as a concept, it’s even scarier when you see it in print. Thanks, Mark. Thanks, Facebook.

Two months from yesterday is my number 70 arrival date. I’m positive the next sixty days will give me plenty of opportunities to overthink and obsess over this milestone. Hmmm….I wonder how many others will be celebrating this same birthday in that time frame. It’s thirty-five. Of course, I counted because that’s how my brain rolls. But, I can only do this because of Mark Z.’s creation.

So once again I offer Thanks, Facebook. Thanks a F’ing lot!

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