I only included a thirteenth chapter for my life to avoid tempting fate, challenging the devil, annoying divinity, or bringing the evil eye.

Something superstitious precludes me from even representing my demise before probability makes it all but inevitable.

But how else can one behave in the face of oblivion?

Chapter 13 could last seven years, or more, and it may never happen at all.

Someone recently wished me the customary friendly Jewish blessing "may you live to 120!" I thought to myself, "is that a blessing or a curse?" It all depends on the quality of life I suppose.

About these years I can only say "who knows?"

The reason to live long is to see how the big things turn out, but can I imagine what will be important to me in 2049?

Today it seems like these things include how the society and planet changes, and how scientific discovery expands and enhances our understanding of the universe and of ourselves.

Today it seems to include the endless comedy of national politics.

Today the future seems to hold the the chance to observe my children and their children.

But what will I care about when it arrives?

So this will be my project in 2049: To watch how things have turned out, and to watch whether the things I think I'll care about matter at all to me anymore.

Perhaps the essence of successful time travel to the year 2049 is simply to maintain enough mind and body to still give a damn about something. Or perhaps even the idea that caring about something gives life meaning is just one of those mid-life illusions that I'll move beyond if and when I reach the year 2049.

Let's wish each other joy and luck in our journeys through time.