This month (on the 19th) I celebrated my 32nd birthday! Typically I take the day off of work, but I'm saving my vacation days for family vacation. I should not be surprised (but I am) that folks still call me to wish me happy birthday. Each year, I convince myself that it's just another year, and it's no big deal. You know, march of time and all that. But it's more than that. It's a chance to be especially thankful for all the people who mean so much to me. Family, friends, and others. It's a time to share the joy of a cute and funny greeting card, and a chance to get out to a nice restaurant for dinner. It's a time to remember all the blessings in my life...
Over the last few months, I've been thinking a lot about the events in my life that brought me to today. The people I've met, the jobs I've held, the opportunities I let slip by, and the love of a wonderful wife that I would not trade for the world.
As I look around at the trappings of 32 years, I see a lot of memories. Some good, some not, but memories nonetheless. Homes we've lived in, friends who have gone on to their rest, family that has grown into wonderful friends, and the overarching knowledge that each day is a great opportunity to enjoy life, not dwell on the things that "might have been."
I've got my shortcomings and my faults, my wants and desires, my eccentricities, and a healthy ration of "I just don't know." I suppose it's possible that, in that uncertainty I'm opening myself up to new possibilities. Some might view it as indecisiveness or simplemindedness, but I truly believe it to be willingness, openness. and ingrained curiosity.
I've think always been a curious person, even it it did not manifest itself through my schooling. I like to know how things work and how they can be used effectively. I like to be armed with enough information to make an informed decision, whether it be on what water heater to buy, which automobile will be the most resonable and responsible choice, or if it's time to refinance my mortgage. But I also want to be smart enough to spend more time with my family. To walk the dog now and then. To crawl around on the floor with my kids.
Looking back over 32 years is an effort that will take some time. I'm not into writing memoirs or daiy diaries. I'm pretty poor at keeping up my web log. But I am confident that in 32 years I have learned some incredible lessons, both gently shared and painfully won. If it were any other way, I believe I would not be content with who I am. So, here's to 32 years!
Posted by MEK at July 19, 2004 10:00 PM