I have spent the last three days celebrating my son's graduation from St. Louis University. I have had a wonderful time with my family as we recount his achievements and accomplishments. I have enjoyed seeing and meeting his friends. Today I will leave St. Louis, worried and sad.
I am a parent, so I get to worry about my boy. I worry that he no longer has structure in his life. No more track practice. No more classes to get to, nothing to study for. No more busses or planes to catch. No reasons to get up early or not to stay up late.
I worry that he is worried that he hasn't found a job yet. He is a teacher, and I know from experience that teaching positions, especially first ones, sometimes don't come until later in the summer. Still I worry.
I worry about where he is going to live. Of course, this goes back to my previous worry, it depends on where he will be working. He's got housing for a couple of more months, but they aren't going to let him live on campus forever.
I worry that he is going to be alone. There is no family here. And whether he likes it or not, his track family is scattering to all parts of the county. They're off to Chicago and Texas and Washington and who knows where else. Even the underclassmen go home for the summer. I worry that not only does he have nothing to do, but nobody to do it with.
And I am sad, not only for my boy but for myself. I actually don't know when I will see him again. I can't look at the calendar and say track meet in two weeks, or Easter break in a month. These things no longer exist for him, therefore for me either. I am sad that I won't get to see some of his friends anymore, some who I have followed for the past four years.
As far as being sad though, I am mostly sad for my son that there are people who he has spent the majority of his time with for the last four years whom he probably will never see again. People have come here from all over the country and world to learn and to compete. He has spent countless hours with them, and suddenly you don't see them anymore. They get jobs, move back home, live life. You get busy with your life, and time takes it's toll. All your left with are your memories.
So I leave St. Louis, worried and sad......
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
The Commencement Address
In a week or so here my son will graduate from college, and I will once again sit through a commencement address. I think it will be my ninth one, and truth be known I don't remember a thing about any of them. Since I am not rich, a politician, movie star or famous athlete, I have no fear of ever having to give a commencement address. However, I have paid attention and read some things, and I would have some advice to share........
After the obligatory welcomes and opening remarks, I would start by congratulating all the new doctors and lawyers and teachers and accountants and scientists and all the other professions. And I would challenge them not to be good at what they have chosen to do, but to be great, because we need great. We have lots of problems in this world, and we're going to need great to solve them. I would encourage them to find a job they really like. I have known to many people who "hate my job". Your are going to be working for a long time. I'm not saying you need to love it, and sometimes you have to have to do what you have to do, but life will be better when you don't dread heading of to work.
Pay yourself first!! I am sure everyone has heard this. I know when you first start earning money you will think you're rich. I know retirement is probably the last thing on your mind. I also have learned the magic of compounding. If these is an employer match, you need to contribute enough to have it kick in. You will probably need to make sacrifices in what you want and can afford. You will put off saving for your golden years. Don't do it. You're going to want to enjoy your old age, and it will be hard to do without planning.
The country and the world are magnificent places. Get out and see as much of them as you possibly can. I believe that there is so much to see and do you will never be able to do it all. I encourage folks to travel to see the sights, learn the history, meet the people. It's a really interesting country and world. If I could, I would spend my money on experiences rather than possessions. With apologies to the business graduates who want us to have more stuff, I would say the experiences are more valuable--and they take up less space!!
Take care of your health!! With apologies to the new health care professionals, you will save a fortune by not having to visit these folks. I'm not talking about well care and accidents here. I'm talking about watching what you eat, getting some exercise, basic stuff like this. Folks get diseases, break bones, have babies...we need the doctors for stuff like this. Try not to put yourself in further peril by your actions or inactions.
Most of you probably will have families one day, spouses, partners, children. Family life isn't always easy. You will need to make sacrifices and compromise. If you decide to have children, and then are lucky enough to have them, you will face more challenges. Please don't be one of these folks I hear saying I can't wait for summer to be over so you can get back to school or I can't wait for you to grow up and move out. You brought them into this world. Cherish them, they will be gone soon enough.
Technology and innovations are moving at a tremendous pace. I can't believe the changes in the last twenty five years or so. You can basically walk around with the entire knowledge of the world in your pocket. I would imagine that things will continue to evolve. This being said, I would encourage you to take your ear buds out every once in awhile, turn off the phone, and actually talk with one another once in awhile. People are interesting, and when you really think about it, we don't just talk with one another nearly as much as we should.
Try not to judge people before you get to know them. People will give you plenty of reasons to either like or dislike them. They don't choose their race, or where they're from, or who they love. These things really don't matter in the overall scheme of things. Don't use them in your judgment of them.
Life is not a spectator sport. Get involved. Whether it is coaching that little league team, volunteering at the soup kitchen or running for President, do something. You can always do more. Yes you can! Will it be easy? Nothing that is really worth it ever is really easy. Don't settle. Not in your personal life, not in your professional life, not in your spiritual life. Average is not good enough. You can do better. You must do better. You will do better. I have confidence in you.
Finally, some final thoughts. You have been given much, and earned much. Much is now expected of you. On your way up, try not to forget those not as fortunate. Lend a hand where you can. In the overall scheme of things, we are all only here for a spec of time. Try to make the most of it. It is truly a wonderful world. You'll get through the rough times, try to enjoy the good. You are our future, and we are depending on you. I believe our future is in good hands. Congratulations to you all. You have already accomplished much. Look forward to what is yet to come....
After the obligatory welcomes and opening remarks, I would start by congratulating all the new doctors and lawyers and teachers and accountants and scientists and all the other professions. And I would challenge them not to be good at what they have chosen to do, but to be great, because we need great. We have lots of problems in this world, and we're going to need great to solve them. I would encourage them to find a job they really like. I have known to many people who "hate my job". Your are going to be working for a long time. I'm not saying you need to love it, and sometimes you have to have to do what you have to do, but life will be better when you don't dread heading of to work.
Pay yourself first!! I am sure everyone has heard this. I know when you first start earning money you will think you're rich. I know retirement is probably the last thing on your mind. I also have learned the magic of compounding. If these is an employer match, you need to contribute enough to have it kick in. You will probably need to make sacrifices in what you want and can afford. You will put off saving for your golden years. Don't do it. You're going to want to enjoy your old age, and it will be hard to do without planning.
The country and the world are magnificent places. Get out and see as much of them as you possibly can. I believe that there is so much to see and do you will never be able to do it all. I encourage folks to travel to see the sights, learn the history, meet the people. It's a really interesting country and world. If I could, I would spend my money on experiences rather than possessions. With apologies to the business graduates who want us to have more stuff, I would say the experiences are more valuable--and they take up less space!!
Take care of your health!! With apologies to the new health care professionals, you will save a fortune by not having to visit these folks. I'm not talking about well care and accidents here. I'm talking about watching what you eat, getting some exercise, basic stuff like this. Folks get diseases, break bones, have babies...we need the doctors for stuff like this. Try not to put yourself in further peril by your actions or inactions.
Most of you probably will have families one day, spouses, partners, children. Family life isn't always easy. You will need to make sacrifices and compromise. If you decide to have children, and then are lucky enough to have them, you will face more challenges. Please don't be one of these folks I hear saying I can't wait for summer to be over so you can get back to school or I can't wait for you to grow up and move out. You brought them into this world. Cherish them, they will be gone soon enough.
Technology and innovations are moving at a tremendous pace. I can't believe the changes in the last twenty five years or so. You can basically walk around with the entire knowledge of the world in your pocket. I would imagine that things will continue to evolve. This being said, I would encourage you to take your ear buds out every once in awhile, turn off the phone, and actually talk with one another once in awhile. People are interesting, and when you really think about it, we don't just talk with one another nearly as much as we should.
Try not to judge people before you get to know them. People will give you plenty of reasons to either like or dislike them. They don't choose their race, or where they're from, or who they love. These things really don't matter in the overall scheme of things. Don't use them in your judgment of them.
Life is not a spectator sport. Get involved. Whether it is coaching that little league team, volunteering at the soup kitchen or running for President, do something. You can always do more. Yes you can! Will it be easy? Nothing that is really worth it ever is really easy. Don't settle. Not in your personal life, not in your professional life, not in your spiritual life. Average is not good enough. You can do better. You must do better. You will do better. I have confidence in you.
Finally, some final thoughts. You have been given much, and earned much. Much is now expected of you. On your way up, try not to forget those not as fortunate. Lend a hand where you can. In the overall scheme of things, we are all only here for a spec of time. Try to make the most of it. It is truly a wonderful world. You'll get through the rough times, try to enjoy the good. You are our future, and we are depending on you. I believe our future is in good hands. Congratulations to you all. You have already accomplished much. Look forward to what is yet to come....
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The End Of The Line
This weekend I will make one final drive to watch my son compete in "youth sports", even though he is no longer a youth by any stretch, and there is a chance he won't be able to compete because of injury. Doesn't matter.
I've been watching Stewart compete in some sport or another for about seventeen years or so now. I remember those first soccer games at the YMCA. Little did I know then what a monster soccer would become. I remember him starting off in TBall and the way the little kids in the neighborhood got ready for opening day every year. I remember the first basketball league at the Y, where you'd wear a colored wristband so you would know who you were guarding. Stew would hide his arm behind his back. And of course the first track "meet" in fourth grade--whole thing consisted of the mile run.
I have watched Stew in hundreds of events I guess. TBall led to little league which led to select baseball which led to high school. Three on three basketball led to rec league which led to select which again took us to high school. Soccer, well soccer takes us from rec league to traveling all over the Midwest, indoor and outdoor, year round, finally to a very nice high school career. And of course running, from sixth grade cross country and track all the way through college.
I remember lots of the coaches and parents. Some good, some not so much so (myself included!). Some have become friends to both myself and Stewart as well. Some had good intentions, but were "overmatched". Others really should have probably stayed in the stands. And he has had some teammates. All different levels of skill and ability, some good, some concerned with their own stats more than the team. Lots of good teams in high school.
And I have traveled to watch Stewart. Thousands of miles by now I would guess. Weekend tournaments, travel teams, now of course away at college means I have to go a little further to watch Stew. And every single mile has been worth it, although I may have had some misgivings at the time. And I really have been fortunate to not miss that much. Astute scheduling, vacation time, and down right luck enabled me to see most of his events, and to share in Stew's triumphs as well as the failures. Never kept track, but I would suspect more ups than downs.
I have seen Stewart be the ultimate teammate. He has always been encouraging to his teammates, tried to help them, respected his opponents, respected the game. He has always respected his coaches and officials. I have never seen him get upset at a call or a result. Obviously I have not seen every practice and contest, but I think I have seen enough and know him well enough to know the way he acts. I am very proud of him, not only for the way he has competed, but also in the way he has interacted with his teammates, coaches, officials and opponents.
So now comes the end of the line. I am packing up and making the drive to Massachusetts. I will watch Stewart's team compete one last time. I hope he is healthy enough to give it a go. I would love to see a few more left turns. It's been a heck of a ride, and I may have had near as much fun as him. I would think there will still be some fun runs or beer league softball in his future, but it wont be the same. But that doesn't matter either. Hope he's enjoyed it and had fun with it. I know I have.
I've been watching Stewart compete in some sport or another for about seventeen years or so now. I remember those first soccer games at the YMCA. Little did I know then what a monster soccer would become. I remember him starting off in TBall and the way the little kids in the neighborhood got ready for opening day every year. I remember the first basketball league at the Y, where you'd wear a colored wristband so you would know who you were guarding. Stew would hide his arm behind his back. And of course the first track "meet" in fourth grade--whole thing consisted of the mile run.
I have watched Stew in hundreds of events I guess. TBall led to little league which led to select baseball which led to high school. Three on three basketball led to rec league which led to select which again took us to high school. Soccer, well soccer takes us from rec league to traveling all over the Midwest, indoor and outdoor, year round, finally to a very nice high school career. And of course running, from sixth grade cross country and track all the way through college.
I remember lots of the coaches and parents. Some good, some not so much so (myself included!). Some have become friends to both myself and Stewart as well. Some had good intentions, but were "overmatched". Others really should have probably stayed in the stands. And he has had some teammates. All different levels of skill and ability, some good, some concerned with their own stats more than the team. Lots of good teams in high school.
And I have traveled to watch Stewart. Thousands of miles by now I would guess. Weekend tournaments, travel teams, now of course away at college means I have to go a little further to watch Stew. And every single mile has been worth it, although I may have had some misgivings at the time. And I really have been fortunate to not miss that much. Astute scheduling, vacation time, and down right luck enabled me to see most of his events, and to share in Stew's triumphs as well as the failures. Never kept track, but I would suspect more ups than downs.
I have seen Stewart be the ultimate teammate. He has always been encouraging to his teammates, tried to help them, respected his opponents, respected the game. He has always respected his coaches and officials. I have never seen him get upset at a call or a result. Obviously I have not seen every practice and contest, but I think I have seen enough and know him well enough to know the way he acts. I am very proud of him, not only for the way he has competed, but also in the way he has interacted with his teammates, coaches, officials and opponents.
So now comes the end of the line. I am packing up and making the drive to Massachusetts. I will watch Stewart's team compete one last time. I hope he is healthy enough to give it a go. I would love to see a few more left turns. It's been a heck of a ride, and I may have had near as much fun as him. I would think there will still be some fun runs or beer league softball in his future, but it wont be the same. But that doesn't matter either. Hope he's enjoyed it and had fun with it. I know I have.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
SLU Billiken Track and Field
In 10 days or so I will cease being the parent of a college athlete. Yes, Stewart will graduate at the end of the semester, and not only will his time with the Billikens be over, but mine as well.
And it has been a wonderful four years. I have gotten to know some wonderful student athletes on the Bills. I have watched them run and jump and throw. I have seen them set pr's, set school records, and win conference medals. I have seen their joy with their performances, as well as the disappointments along the way.
I have seen the Billikens compete in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. I looked for them in Kansas (rock chalk Jayhawk, what the hell is that?). They have also been to Tennessee, California, and Texas--at least--without me. I have seen athletes from many other schools as well, of course, and have seen many amazing performances. Indoors and out, in all kinds of weather, through all kinds of traffic I have followed the Billiken's track and field team. I have dutifully planned out my trips, as well as waking up one morning and deciding to drive to Louisville to make sure the kids had at least one fan at the meet. I have driven way too fast on more than one occasion, yet have never been stopped on my way to a Billiken meet. Karma I guess. I have watched the Billikens run on a track that has hosted the Olympics, and I have been to the Drake Relays. I have been to schools both large and small, and have many great memories of them all.
And I have gotten to know some of Stew's teammates as well. Some have made me their FB friends, and allowed me to follow them on the Twitter. I have learned about their studies and future plans. I have met some of their parents and learned about their families. Trust me, they are every bit as proud of their child as I am of mine. They come from all over the country, and have quite the varied backgrounds. I have also watched how they interact with each other, and they truly seem to care for one another. Always encouraging each other in their events, the team outings----I suppose when you spend as much time together as they do you care for each other. Nice to see.....
I have read their blogs. Boy do I miss Billiken A Day. I am sure many (most, all?) of the younger Bills have no idea what this was, but it sure was interesting. Some days it made you think, some days it made you laugh, some days I couldn't make any sense of it at all. But I sure looked forward to it. I hope somebody can get it going again---interesting to find out what is on younger folks minds.
I would offer some advice to the Billiken athletes who still have some time to go on the team. You have worked hard to get this far. I am sure it is not easy being a student athlete, with the travel and training and school work. But I think it will be worth it. You will need to learn some discipline, but if you are able to stick with it you will be rewarded, not only on the track, but in your future. Remember, it is STUDENT athlete.....
So that's it. Not only is Stewart.s time on the Billiken's track team nearly over, mine is as well. In a couple of years I won't even know anyone on the team. I have had a wonderful time traveling around watching the completion through the years. I have enjoyed the teammates, not only this years seniors, but the graduates of the past few years as well as the "Baby Billikens" who are new to the squad. I wish nothing but good luck and good health not only with their time on the track team, but in their futures as well. I am sure the discipline and successes they have achieved and will achieve on the track and field team will serve them well in their futures. I will always plan on keeping an eye on the SLU track team, may even show up to a meet once in awhile. It won't be the same, but it's been a great time. Nothing but good memories for SLU Billiken Track and Field......
And it has been a wonderful four years. I have gotten to know some wonderful student athletes on the Bills. I have watched them run and jump and throw. I have seen them set pr's, set school records, and win conference medals. I have seen their joy with their performances, as well as the disappointments along the way.
I have seen the Billikens compete in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. I looked for them in Kansas (rock chalk Jayhawk, what the hell is that?). They have also been to Tennessee, California, and Texas--at least--without me. I have seen athletes from many other schools as well, of course, and have seen many amazing performances. Indoors and out, in all kinds of weather, through all kinds of traffic I have followed the Billiken's track and field team. I have dutifully planned out my trips, as well as waking up one morning and deciding to drive to Louisville to make sure the kids had at least one fan at the meet. I have driven way too fast on more than one occasion, yet have never been stopped on my way to a Billiken meet. Karma I guess. I have watched the Billikens run on a track that has hosted the Olympics, and I have been to the Drake Relays. I have been to schools both large and small, and have many great memories of them all.
And I have gotten to know some of Stew's teammates as well. Some have made me their FB friends, and allowed me to follow them on the Twitter. I have learned about their studies and future plans. I have met some of their parents and learned about their families. Trust me, they are every bit as proud of their child as I am of mine. They come from all over the country, and have quite the varied backgrounds. I have also watched how they interact with each other, and they truly seem to care for one another. Always encouraging each other in their events, the team outings----I suppose when you spend as much time together as they do you care for each other. Nice to see.....
I have read their blogs. Boy do I miss Billiken A Day. I am sure many (most, all?) of the younger Bills have no idea what this was, but it sure was interesting. Some days it made you think, some days it made you laugh, some days I couldn't make any sense of it at all. But I sure looked forward to it. I hope somebody can get it going again---interesting to find out what is on younger folks minds.
I would offer some advice to the Billiken athletes who still have some time to go on the team. You have worked hard to get this far. I am sure it is not easy being a student athlete, with the travel and training and school work. But I think it will be worth it. You will need to learn some discipline, but if you are able to stick with it you will be rewarded, not only on the track, but in your future. Remember, it is STUDENT athlete.....
So that's it. Not only is Stewart.s time on the Billiken's track team nearly over, mine is as well. In a couple of years I won't even know anyone on the team. I have had a wonderful time traveling around watching the completion through the years. I have enjoyed the teammates, not only this years seniors, but the graduates of the past few years as well as the "Baby Billikens" who are new to the squad. I wish nothing but good luck and good health not only with their time on the track team, but in their futures as well. I am sure the discipline and successes they have achieved and will achieve on the track and field team will serve them well in their futures. I will always plan on keeping an eye on the SLU track team, may even show up to a meet once in awhile. It won't be the same, but it's been a great time. Nothing but good memories for SLU Billiken Track and Field......
Friday, January 10, 2014
One Last Spin
As I continue my attempts to "lighten the load", I am face with the dilemma of what to do with all my record albums, or LP's for those of you in the know. There are at least a couple of hundred of them just sitting in the basement, and they haven't been touched for years. Time for them to go.
I don't think I know anyone who listens to albums anymore. All music is pretty much available on ITunes or Youtube or whatever---well most things at least. There is really no reason to have records anymore. So my plan is to set up the turntable and the speakers (which could be an adventure in itself), crank 'er up and let 'er rip.
And I have lots of stuff to listen too. Some of the stuff is in pretty rough shape---remember "The Cultavator"? That put a pretty big hurt on some of the vinyl. And some of the discs are warped a bit, but I'll make it work. Might have to scrape some old spilt beer off a couple of the records, and I am sure there will be plenty of pops, hisses and scratches. But that's part of the allure. There are album's that have only had one side played, or even only one song on the album played. They will be heard in their entirety. There are records from when I was a kid, stuff that belonged to my folks, things that were left at parties, and some I picked up that friends were throwing out.
So I plan to give them all one last spin. So I will hear most all of the Beatles. And Willie Nelson. I will hear Johnny Cash sing at San Quinton. And Huckleberry Hound. I will listen to all the crazy compilation albums, and the Christmas songs as well. Everything from Frank Sinatra to Ray Parker Jr. And I am sure they will all bring back memories, both good and bad, happy and sad, from childhood until my young adult days. I'm sure I'll find some things I've forgotten about, and others that will be had to part with. I'm looking forward to album art and liner notes. And I'm sure it's going to be tough, but then that's it, they have to go. Need to keep "lightening the load".
I don't think I know anyone who listens to albums anymore. All music is pretty much available on ITunes or Youtube or whatever---well most things at least. There is really no reason to have records anymore. So my plan is to set up the turntable and the speakers (which could be an adventure in itself), crank 'er up and let 'er rip.
And I have lots of stuff to listen too. Some of the stuff is in pretty rough shape---remember "The Cultavator"? That put a pretty big hurt on some of the vinyl. And some of the discs are warped a bit, but I'll make it work. Might have to scrape some old spilt beer off a couple of the records, and I am sure there will be plenty of pops, hisses and scratches. But that's part of the allure. There are album's that have only had one side played, or even only one song on the album played. They will be heard in their entirety. There are records from when I was a kid, stuff that belonged to my folks, things that were left at parties, and some I picked up that friends were throwing out.
So I plan to give them all one last spin. So I will hear most all of the Beatles. And Willie Nelson. I will hear Johnny Cash sing at San Quinton. And Huckleberry Hound. I will listen to all the crazy compilation albums, and the Christmas songs as well. Everything from Frank Sinatra to Ray Parker Jr. And I am sure they will all bring back memories, both good and bad, happy and sad, from childhood until my young adult days. I'm sure I'll find some things I've forgotten about, and others that will be had to part with. I'm looking forward to album art and liner notes. And I'm sure it's going to be tough, but then that's it, they have to go. Need to keep "lightening the load".
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The Best Gift of All
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to everyone.
Christmas has passed for another year, and I was thinking about all the gifts both given and received over the years. All the toys and clothes and books. All of the electronic things from cassette players to camera to computers and tvs. Dolls and legos and trucks and "things for the house". The silly stuff you don't need, and the things you hold near and dear. All the boxes and paper and bows. There are many wonderful gifts from throughout the years, but I think I have finally realized the best gift of all.
I have decided that the best Christmas gift that I ever gift is just spending time with friends and relatives. I look back through my life and the things I remember probably more than the shopping and the gifts are the times spent with the relatives. Going to my aunt's or grandparents house when I was a kid. Having people over to the Misses and my place after we got married. I think I have finally realized that the getting together with people is much better than stuff.
I wish that I would have learned this sooner, because as we get older, we lose people. Parents, aunt and uncles, friends move on or pass away. It is always sad when those we love are no longer with us, and it always seems rougher around the holidays. You know, once they're gone, they are gone.
So I try to spend as much time as I can with he family as I can. The kids are home from school so that is nice (who knows how much longer that will happen!), and grammas in from Florida (a great sacrifice for her during this time of the year). We don't really do too much, but just being together is nice.
Looking back I should have spent more time with the people and been less concerned with the stuff. In the hurry up right now get it done world we live in, I find that I would prefer just to spend my time with my family and friends. You just never know when the chance will come up again.
Christmas has passed for another year, and I was thinking about all the gifts both given and received over the years. All the toys and clothes and books. All of the electronic things from cassette players to camera to computers and tvs. Dolls and legos and trucks and "things for the house". The silly stuff you don't need, and the things you hold near and dear. All the boxes and paper and bows. There are many wonderful gifts from throughout the years, but I think I have finally realized the best gift of all.
I have decided that the best Christmas gift that I ever gift is just spending time with friends and relatives. I look back through my life and the things I remember probably more than the shopping and the gifts are the times spent with the relatives. Going to my aunt's or grandparents house when I was a kid. Having people over to the Misses and my place after we got married. I think I have finally realized that the getting together with people is much better than stuff.
I wish that I would have learned this sooner, because as we get older, we lose people. Parents, aunt and uncles, friends move on or pass away. It is always sad when those we love are no longer with us, and it always seems rougher around the holidays. You know, once they're gone, they are gone.
So I try to spend as much time as I can with he family as I can. The kids are home from school so that is nice (who knows how much longer that will happen!), and grammas in from Florida (a great sacrifice for her during this time of the year). We don't really do too much, but just being together is nice.
Looking back I should have spent more time with the people and been less concerned with the stuff. In the hurry up right now get it done world we live in, I find that I would prefer just to spend my time with my family and friends. You just never know when the chance will come up again.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
I'm Back....
I am back. Reenergized, revitalized, rejuvenated. So what's on my mind today.......
Recently I've been reading about these walls and blackboards popping up letting people kind of list or write what they would like to do before they die. Since I guess I'm heading into the fourth quarter of life here (if I'm not there already!), I decided to think about what I'd like to do before the end comes....
As I think I've stated before, I do like to travel. And I really have no desire to leave the country, although the Misses may have something to say about that. The family and I have been all over the country, but there are still a few places I'd like to see. I would like to see New York City. Think it would be interesting. I'd like to see the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. I like museums and historic stuff, so I'd like to spend weeks at the Smithsonian in DC. Think it would be very interesting. I'd like to see a glacier before its too late. I have really enjoyed the southwest US and would like to go back sometime. And it would be real nice to get back to the northwest one more time.
I'd like to get to retirement so I can do absolutely nothing if I feel like it. Read a book, walk in the woods, go for a swim, whatever. Sometimes I just like to sit and watch the world go by. Wouldn't mind just having some time to just sit. Everything goes right were looking at six years, two months, three weeks and two days.....not that I'm counting or anything.....
Finally, I'd like to be around long enough to see the kids get graduated from college and kind of get settled into their lives, whatever that may be. Don't know exactly what the future will hold for them, but I would like to at least see them settled in and started down the roads of their lives.
So that's about it. Don't really need anymore stuff. And if I'm not able to do any of this stuff, well I've been awful lucky and blessed as it is. Can't wait to find out what the future holds.......
Recently I've been reading about these walls and blackboards popping up letting people kind of list or write what they would like to do before they die. Since I guess I'm heading into the fourth quarter of life here (if I'm not there already!), I decided to think about what I'd like to do before the end comes....
As I think I've stated before, I do like to travel. And I really have no desire to leave the country, although the Misses may have something to say about that. The family and I have been all over the country, but there are still a few places I'd like to see. I would like to see New York City. Think it would be interesting. I'd like to see the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. I like museums and historic stuff, so I'd like to spend weeks at the Smithsonian in DC. Think it would be very interesting. I'd like to see a glacier before its too late. I have really enjoyed the southwest US and would like to go back sometime. And it would be real nice to get back to the northwest one more time.
I'd like to get to retirement so I can do absolutely nothing if I feel like it. Read a book, walk in the woods, go for a swim, whatever. Sometimes I just like to sit and watch the world go by. Wouldn't mind just having some time to just sit. Everything goes right were looking at six years, two months, three weeks and two days.....not that I'm counting or anything.....
Finally, I'd like to be around long enough to see the kids get graduated from college and kind of get settled into their lives, whatever that may be. Don't know exactly what the future will hold for them, but I would like to at least see them settled in and started down the roads of their lives.
So that's about it. Don't really need anymore stuff. And if I'm not able to do any of this stuff, well I've been awful lucky and blessed as it is. Can't wait to find out what the future holds.......
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