When does a woman become a cougar?

40? 39? And do you get extra "cougar free" years if you get carded?

Those are the questions I pose in my current Facebook headline. It's mostly a sardonic observation, but it probably won't surprise you to learn that I turned 39 on Saturday.

I've never really dated younger men. Not sure I'm going to. But evidently "cougar" now means any single woman above the age of 40 (age taken from internet "research").

OK. So let me get this straight.

My early 30s were all about the stereotypical baby clock. But evidently my late 30s were supposed to be about the cougar clock.

I'll synchronize my special "cougar" watch. Goodness, I'm awfully behind in my preparation. Good thing I have helpful information like the tip below, taken from an article on msnbc called "5 tips to being a sexy cougar."

Thanks MSNBC! I'm so relieved to hear that it's OK to be a cougar just as long as I maintain a preternaturally young appearance.

clipped from www.msnbc.msn.com Age is just a number. That’s the most important thing. These women are redefining what aging looks like. Because they eat well, exercise and do everything necessary to maintain a healthy balance in their life, 40, 50 or 60 never looked so good.