| Re: Growing Older
Great topic.
While I do not have kids yet, I have recently turned 25, like Dak, and have realized how much has changed in the past 5 years, let alone 10. For example, this morning my garage door spring snapped, and my door wouldn't open automatically. Now 5 years ago I would have called my dad and told him about it, then went on my merry way to school or out with my friends. Now, I have to call into work to explain what happened, and wait while a repairman came. I had to understand what the heck he was doing, so in case this ever happened again I could intelligently talk about it.
Today for lunch, I went out to a local mexican place. On my way out, I noticed a group of 10-15 year olds (I can't tell how old kids are anymore these days) hanging outside with their skateboards, etc. They were talking about some tv show I've never heard of, and laughing, etc. As I got into my car in my black slacks and button-up shirt heading back to work, I realized how differently I see summer. These kids were enjoying themselves in the middle of the weekday, with no responsibilities but which pair of shorts and a t-shirt to wear that day. It was depressing to me as I was driving back to work, knowing I would have to sit in a florescent-lighted cubicle for rest of the beautiful summer day.
Okay, this is getting a bit depressing, sorry. The point is, things aren't the same as you grow older. We all know that, common sense. But almost everything seems different nowadays. When I wake up on a Saturday morning, it's by an alarm clock, not by my mom saying "Honey it's noon, wake up". I get up and read the paper (!!) then debate on which house project to accomplish that day. Of course, I still have my Friday and Saturday evenings to enjoy with friends and my wife. I always say "I work hard, but play hard". You have to keep a balance between the two.
That thought right there is what gets me through the days, as I take on more and more responsibility as I grow older. But each day I wake up, knowing my family and friends are still with me, is a great day to be alive. |