Something hit me like a ton of bricks today. And that something is … I’ve suddenly gotten old. October the 18th, 2008, is my birthday. I just hit “The Big 5-0″. Don’t really “feel” fifty. If the truth were to be told, I still “feel” 18. I would loved to have been able to celebrate with a full catered affair. You know, a big ass party, strippers from Baby Doll’s and lots and lots of booze.Instead, I’ll just lie here on my cold steel bunk, reminiscing and day­dreaming of better days passed.

I was born before the age of color TV, compact discs and certainly before the invent of PC’s and the Internet. All we had was black and white, record players and one of those old fashioned dial telephones to communicate with friends from across the United States. With all the new technology in the world today, I guess I really do feel a little bit old. Bunnies were small rabbits Grandpa had out back in a pen, not the Playboy variety. Grass was mowed, not smoked and gas for daddy’s lawnmower wasn’t an issue. Because it was one of those kind you pushed by hand.

Some of my earliest memories as a young boy was my mother teaching me to tie my shoes, buying sodas at the barber shop for a dime and watching JFK’s funeral on TV. Oh how everyone in the Mansell family cried the day President Kennedy was assassinated. I’d just barely turned 5 years old. At age 6, the Beatles came to the U.S. and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. At 7 there was a huge anti-Vietnam war march On Washington D.C. and a couple of months before I turned 11, an astronaut named Neil Armstrong set foot on the face of the moon. And yeah, I’m old enough that I remember it all.

At 12 I got my first pair of bell bottom jeans, I discovered the Edgar Winter group on 8-track and I french kissed my first girl. It was 1970 and I was starting to realize my body was changing; I was definitely well on my way to becoming a man. Even though I loved my family, I remember thinking to myself … man I can’t wait to grow up so I can get a job and move out on my own! I made good grades in school, I loved my country and I dreamed of buying my very first motorcycle. Peter Fonda in “Easy Rider” was my idol and I had a crush on Sally Struthers after sneaking into the movie theater to see “Five Easy Pieces,” rated R.

Yeah, I miss being a little kid. What’s the big attraction in being a grown up anyway? When I was young, I wanted to be an adult. And now that I’m an adult, all I want to do is be a kid again. Another thing, I used to wonder why all old guys chased young girls. Hell, when I was young, I always wanted an older woman. But now that I’m old, I see why old men want young girls for mates because they make them “feel” young again. I just wish I could go back to age 12, knowing what I know now, and start all over again. I guarantee you one thing. I would not be where I am today. I’d be free, have a job and be happily married for real!

As it stands today, my knees are starting to buckle and my pants won’t zip. I’m set in my ways and “good morning” is an oxymoron. My eyesight is going, my hearing sucks and a rocking chair is starting to look pretty darn good. Where women are concerned, well I just hope I’ll still remember how to have sex when I get out. Because I have exactly six more birthdays to serve in federal prison before they let me leave. All I can say is … thank God for industrial strength Viagra and women who like to ride reverse cowgirl! And surely the girls will still want me. Right? Who the hell knows!

Wish I’d never started drinking, smoking weed and doing drugs. All which led to my present situation of course. My kidneys have suffered and so have my lungs, and even my back from doing all that time in the state joint hoeing in the fields. Should have stayed in school, studied hard and went to college instead of choosing to attend the school of hard knocks. I should have listened to my grandma and pursued a career in music or became a doctor, lawyer or joined the military. Well, maybe not a lawyer. All those guys are crooked as hell. After age 12, shit just seemed to go downhill. Know what I mean?

Despite all my shortcomings however, I really don’t feel too bad about the way I lived my life. Sure, there are some regrets. But all in all, I had a hell of a lot of fun. I did stuff a lot of people will never get to do and I’ve met people I might never have met hadn’t I lived the lifestyle I chose to live.Like you for instance. All my friends and readers here on MySpace. With tears in my eyes I can honestly say to you all … turning the big 5-0 hasn’t been that bad after all, thanks to real friends! That is one thing I’m just fully understanding in life now, and I’m the big 5-0. I’m Tripper! Better Days and upcoming birthdays to all!

So in the end, was it worth it? Jesus Christ. How irreparably changed my life has become. It’s always the last day of summer and I’ve been left out in the cold with no door to get back in. I’ll grant you I’ve had more than my share of poignant moments. Life passes most people by while they’re making grand plans for it. Throughout my lifetime, I’ve left pieces of my heart here and there. And now, there’s almost not enough to stay alive. But I force a smile, knowing that my ambition far exceeded my talent. There are no more white horses or pretty ladies at my door..

George Jung

** Wanted to let you all know I talked with Tripper on the phone early this evening. He was utterly floored with all the cards. He got 45 cards on Friday. There are another 15 on the way from a few late stragglers. He said he is going to get a sweatshirt and stock his locker with food and hygiene, and get that new pair of reading glasses he’s been needing for so long. None of it possible without ALL of you. This turned out absolutely fantastic. I’m so proud of all of you readers and friends who took the time out of your day to send a card, a gift, a better days. Tripper very emotionally told me that this was the best birthday he’s ever had, and asked me to thank all of you that send cards. He will be doing a thank you blog very soon he says. He spent all day yesterday from mail call until he fell asleep looking through the cards, and then today re-reading them all. You did good guys, you really really did! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, it has meant a lot to me as well that you would all come together like this. Incredible!!

One more thing to ask of you. Tripper has never had a blog hit the number one spot in the life category (or any other category for that matter). Please pass this around, read it twice, tell your friends, let’s get this to number 1!! We have a hard act to beat with Miss Stephanie; she is usually always number 1. Thanks guys, thank you all! Be Good and Be Well………Tripper’s Rep, Nic