Well another year has passed me by and it seems that I barely noticed. I feel more and more like I am pushing through them faster and faster.
This past year has brought me many good things. It has also brought me a few bad ones, but honestly nothing that serious.
I moved to a new place, got a new job, and bought a new car.
Ok, so the last one didn’t really happen, but I am hoping that it will in 2011.
Its strange to me to look back on the child I once was. I am in the stage in my life where I feel more or less “lost in translation”.
Although I am taking on more responsibilities as an adult, I never wanted any of them in the first place but I am also past the point in my life where I enjoy the trivial things I did in college.
I know I am past the delusional, and I cannot think of a better word, college stage in my life, but I am in the denial stage of the adult one.
My friends always tell me I am an “old soul”, and I guess in most regards that is true, but I when I find myself trying to argue the point I have no defense.
I don’t really know what’s wrong with me. I think I need some sort of guidebook to “acting your age.”
I have not been single for a while now, but my two closest friends are.
They often badger me because when they are ready for a “night on the town”, I am ready for a night with a TV show and a good brew.
On that subject, I find myself loathing most of the watering holes found in and around Atlanta these days. I try not to be pretentious but I outright refuse to go to a bar where beers are served in plastic cups. What happened to the days of a sturdy beer glass and furthermore the stein or mug?
The bartenders are getting younger and the drinks are getting more expensive.
The music is getting louder and the attitudes are getting worse.
I mean, what is wrong with the younger crowd these days? What are they so angry about?
I never like going to a place where there is even a need for security. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I thought when patrons visit a place for food and drinks they were suppose to be happy.
I really can’t understand why the majority of youngens are either extremely sad, or angry? Do they really have a reason to be either? Add alcohol and it normally goes from bad to worse.
I can’t put my finger on it, but I feel like the entire entertainment scene has taken a step down.
I guess I am just a good ol’ boy who would rather have a quiet summer night in front of a bonfire with a few friends, and a plastic cup (outside being perfectly acceptable for using them).
I guess what I really want to know is; if I don’t enjoy the outrageous pleasures friends of my age do, does that make me an “old man”? I really can’t say, but I like what I like, and I know a few others who like the same.
I am sure some “older” readers are laughing at me right now, and my silly complaints, but maybe they can join me. I bet we would have a lot to talk about.
Matt Wheeler is a reporter for the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at mwheeler@barrowjournal.com.
Regards,
Edwin Gravitt
73 year old widower (married to the same wonderful wife for 52 years before her death in 2008) with more wonderful life experiences to remember and cherish than the bad ones.
The fact that you don't enjoy the "bar" scene means you are maturing and settling down. Happens to some in their early 20's; others in their 30s and still others never reach that point.
The "me" generation is sad, angry, upset, whatever because my generation gave them everything they wanted. They have suddenly realized the cost and mommy and daddy aren't paying for it any longer.
So kick back, relax, enjoy your life, take the huddles in stride and make the most of the simple things in it. Every thing else will take care of itself.
Blessings to you!