Rogue Writer, by Shari Lopatin

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The Big 4-0 in 2022
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The Big 4-0 in 2022

Along with the oldest crop of millennials, I turned 40 this year. Here is what that looks like today.

Shari Lopatin
May 12
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I turned 40 in May. Yikes.

I am from the oldest crop of millennials. We graduated high school in 2000 (thus the name), and we are now the first group from Generation Y to turn the Big 4-0.

Here is what 40 looks like in 2022

I remember when we used card catalogs at the library, but could not imagine my life today without Google.

I remember the first time any of us sent an email, and the first time I invested in crypto.

I used to trade Lisa Frank stickers with my friends, and I still buy Lisa Frank nail polish—online.

I remember the calm quiet of a world without smart phones, but can also rock a company’s social media strategy.

I used to play Oregon Trail during computer class at school.

I learned about money by balancing a checkbook, but today I just use PayPal.

I remember the simplicity of flying when you didn’t have to remove your shoes at the airport, but I also know people my age who fought or died in the Iraq War.

I used MySpace. When it was cool.

I learned photography on a film SLR camera and developed my own prints in a darkroom, but I also love my iPhone lens and use it everywhere.

I remember the first time I heard about ATMs. “They just give you MONEY?!”

I cannot survive a day without Internet, but I still take notes by hand.

The concept of school shootings never crossed my mind growing up, but I remember my thoughts the day of Columbine: would our high school be next?

I partied BEFORE Facebook and camera phones. :)

I jammed to Prince, MJ, and Madonna, but I also love dancing to Dua Lipa and Rihanna.

I let my gray hair grow out and in today’s world, can now pass as “hip.”

This. Is. 40. Today.

Me … No makeup. No hair dye. No product.

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Tessy Echenim
May 12Liked by Shari Lopatin

40 looks good on you👍

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1 reply by Shari Lopatin
Ken Hedler
Writes Ken’s Newsletter ·May 12Liked by Shari Lopatin

Shari, I have you beat by a few years.

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