2.28.2011

Content As A Cow

WAYNE’S WORDS
Volume 5 Number 02
Content As A Cow

Here we are, at the end of another month. I did not believe it when my Dad told me, and my Son does not believe when I tell him: time ticks by MUCH faster as you get older.

I turned the ripe old age of 44 this month. I guess, from what they tell me, I am now middle-aged. I hate that, because it kind of (by definition of the word) puts an expiration date on me.

This first month of my 45th year (I think that is the way the math works) has been an odd one.

  • It started with the coldest 3-day winter the great southwest has seen in recorded history (as far as I’m concerned).
  • I was given birthday gifts, meals, drinks and such from friends and family. All of which made me feel quite special, but just having their friendship is gift enough. No, that does NOT excuse future gift giving – I still like presents!
  • I lost another person in my life. This time a client passed away. She was a dear woman with whom I would often chat about the town of Petersburg, Illinois. That’s where my folks are from, basically.
  • I reconnected (again) with someone from my past for whom I care very deeply.
  • My Son had two giant, perpetually infected tonsils removed, which evidently made his voice drop another 2 octaves.
  • I received a refund from the stupid government. Twas enough heat to throw at my small, but seemingly unmeltable (I know it is not a word, but it works) debt snowball. Be patient, Wayne. Be patient.

I really don’t have anything comical to write about or any little nuggets of wisdom or any poetic platitudes to impart in this edition of Wayne’s Words. I’m 44. That is about it.

As a young version of myself imagined his future, where I am is nowhere near where he thought he would be at the age of 44. To quote Mike Damone (Fast Times at Ridgemont High): “I woke up in a great mood; I don't know what the hell happened.”

For me, that quote is more than half in jest. I would say it is actually about 83% jest. Though I am not where I thought I would be, I don’t hate where I am. Sure, on occasion I get a bit melancholy, but that is just the nature of my internal wiring. Really, where I am is ok by me for now.

  • I am not rich; but I make decent money and can pay my bills. Even if I sometimes have to go on my $10 a day financial diet.
  • I’m divorced and have no romantic relationship; but I can do what I want – even walk around the house naked.
  • My incredible Son lives 1400 miles away; but he is safe, in a good home, in a good community and in a good school. The best and hardest decision I ever made was to allow him to move to Wisconsin.
  • I don’t have a fancy car; but what I have is fun, clean and gets me to where I am going.
  • I live in a little townhouse that hasn’t really been updated nor repaired since it was built, in the 1970s; but it shelters me and is actually “home.”
  • I’m not the guy with the bowflex body; but I’m not fat. Actually, as scrawny as I look, I do have a little bit of a beer belly thoughI rarely drink beer anymore. I may even have a muscle or two, but they only show themselves when really needed.
  • I’m not the cover-of-magazine-handsome, but I am not the most hideous man around.
  • I am not a pillar of the community, but I do what I can by volunteering with Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue.

I guess I could go on and on with this list, but I will stop. I guess I am just trying to say that, for now, I am content.

Until Next Time,
Wayne

The only thing I am not really that happy with is this edition of my blog! Does this one blow or what?