Turning Forty

I turn 40 in exactly one month.
 
What are my plans for the back half?  I dunno.  Lemme...

I did one of those "get to know me better" thingies on facebook. One of the questions was "what did you want to be when your were little." I really couldn't remember. A lot of my friends answered "bigger." I guess now that I'm "bigger", I could stand to be a little "smaller".  I seem to remember doctor being on one of the lists when I was young. I wanted to be a teacher when I was a teen and as I started college. I still think teaching is a great thing, but I don't think I would like the "structure" of the "traditional" classroom.

A version of that question has always bothered me. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  Well... You are assuming I WANT to "grow up".  I certainly wouldn't want to go back an re-live my youth. Being a kid was okay, but if we look back honestly, there is way too much "drama" and pain that come from the ignorance of childhood. Watching my boys go through it reminds me of just how much certain aspects of being a teen sucked. That's why so many of us "old people" say things like "If I knew then what I know now..."  Well, we didn't and because of that, some things sucked.  Our kids will say the same things when they are old.

Okay, David, you are rambling. ... Yeah.... That's how I roll. ;-) This is my rant, you don't have to read it. ... lol ...  I encourage you to do so, though.

So, I am turning FORTY.   oooooooooo that's a BIG number. It really doesn't feel that big. Is this supposed to be where I trade my family in for a newer model? Or am I supposed buy some overpriced sports-car that goes fast because my libido is now slow? ... I don't think I am made that way. Scratch that.... I KNOW I'm not made that way.

My family is AMAZING. I couldn't improve on them and wouldn't want to try. I married my BEST FRIEND. I have two great boys that are a constant source of pride. A "newer model" would be horrible.

HELLOOOOO!!!!!! I am LEGALLY BLIND!  Perhaps I would like that sports-car, but it would be a BAD IDEA. Why spend that kind of coin on something like that anyway. I'd rather spend it on travel. ... If I had it to spend.

My mid-life "crisis" seems to involve a personal evolution. I want to learn new things, do no things, and visit new places. I want to continue to grow but I don't want to "grow up." Grown ups are stiff, stagnant, and BORING. Life is supposed to be fun.

I started a new career path this year. After 22 years working directly facing customers in a retail environment, I am now working in a cube serving customers via email and phone. I have weekends off. I work a fixed schedule Monday through Friday. I am learning new things in a new place with new people.

I want to learn to play the Bagpipes. I started by visiting with the Stone Mountain Athol Highlanders last week. I plan on learning along WITH my sons. I want them to see that learning new things is a life-long thing. We can learn things because WE WANT to learn them. My oldest is going to learn to play the drums as well. So, instead of a sports-car, I will spend some coin on Practice Chanters and drum sticks. (These are practice chanters)

HMMMMMM. ...  As I read through the above, I am struck by something.

As I turn forty, I plan to stay with my family. raise my children, and improve myself.  HOLY CRAP!  I'm growing up! 

Anyone who wants to contribute to the musical education of the Family Fields is certainly encouraged to do so. My birthday wish-list is for the items needed to accomplish that end.  .... Or an I-Pad :-)