40 for 40

If you want to keep a 40 year-old young, make him a scavenger hunt.

Let me set the scene. I settled my husband up with his ramen on the outside porch, then moved into action. The kids were napping and so it was Go Time. I hid all 40 "treasures" around the house- in drawers, under rugs, on plates. For the past month I'd been collecting notes from his friends and family, deeply moving accounts of how he had impacted their life. I included these, along with little presents, for a total of 40 things. Each was individually wrapped and numbered.

He was instructed to come in, find the 40 treasures, and lay them out in order. He could only open them when all 40 were found. I had a little worn master list in my wallet that helped me stay organized with what he was bringing in, and what was still missing. I timed him of course- it took about 15 minutes. To be fair, we were staying in an AirBnb for the weekend, so he probably would have completed this faster in our home. He is an Ironman, after all.

TO DO:

*If you want to include personal notes from family and friends, reach out about a month prior to provide enough time for them to reply and for you to transcribe their messages.*

Ideas for Little Presents (and the note I included with them)

*Deck of Cards: "At 40 you still have a full deck; you'll just shuffle a little slower now."

*Epsom Salts: "You'll need these to heal those aching bones."

*Zipties: "You are the bind that keeps us together."

*Candle: "You really do light up my life."

* Highest Elevation Map: "Which mountain will we tackle next?"

*Journal: "Use this to write down questions, make lists, recount conversations, to draw sketches of your next inventions, things you want to talk to me about...just get it on paper.

*Birthday Candles: "Congratulations to your 21 years! (+ 19 years of experience)"

*Soul Fuel by Bear Grylls

*No Bake Birthday Cookies

*Christmas Ornament by our 4 year old: "Declan picked this clear ornament out from Dollar Tree, then went around the house filling it with his favorite things. May this be a time capsule of our little boy the year you turned 40 (see video)

*New Undies: "Old age is like cheap underwear. It creeps up on you."

*Hot Tea: "You really are a HOTTIE"

I think maybe no matter how old we get, we still find joy in discovery. You don't really need an "occasion" to set up a scavenger hunt. All you really need is a willingness and one person you care about - and most of us have both of those.

Happy Hiding,

Meredith