Getting old rules!
I hesitate to write this blog for fear of sounding all
old and non-traditionally snooty, but frankly, I’m so
glad I’m not 20 anymore. I’m back at school after
receiving my first undergraduate degree in the mid ’90s
and just had my 31st birthday a few weeks ago. In
many ways, I’ve found myself to be the same-ol’ dweeb
that I was during my late teens and early 20s, but
there are some distinct differences that I cherish.
For starters, I’m just not as hung up on having all
the coolest stuff or doing all the coolest things. I
don’t need that new stereo with bumpin’ sound for my
sexy little Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. I’ve got an
Outback now — granted it’s a little on the sexy side — but it has the
factory stereo and room for the dog and
the inevitable baby-seats in the back. Why is this
important? Because I’m not spending money on
overpriced electronics and car modifications like I
used to, and instead I can spend it on travel, books,
and my education, art supplies and the occasional
binge at Rennie’s with friends.
What’s my point? I’m getting there… I hope.
I’m also out of the meat-market. Gone are the days of
dating stress and worrying about every little thing
that the women I was attempting to court were thinking
or doing. Trying to find out the inner workings of
those mythical beings that, frankly, were just as pent
up as I was. Meanwhile, I know that many, if not
most, of my classmates are doing their best to “get
some” without catching something. Man, it was hard to
focus on studies when I was single and 20, especially
when living in a dormitory packed with other hormonal
teens. Thankfully, the woman issue has turned into
something much more productive, a life partner and a
future family. (Insert deep-sigh-of-relief here.)
In fact, overall, being accepted and following rules
is much less of an issue when you’re “older.” I
already have a wonderful core group of friends. I
found myself a long time ago, and I know what I stand
for and who I was, am and hope to continue to be. I
never understand the people that reminisce about being
“young again” or even worse, who consider high school
the heyday. I wouldn’t want to go back to that chaos
for the world, and I have nothing but respect for all
the students who are managing to keep it all together
while wrestling with hormones, fitting in and, on
many occasions, undefined identities. Just remember,
it won’t be this crazy for ever, but it’ll be kinda
crappy for awhile.
I’d be curious to know if anyone strongly agrees or
disagrees with me on this issue. If you’d like to
offer up an opinion you can e-mail me at
[email protected] maybe I am just a snooty
non-trad?
Anyhow, this was just my $0.02