Wait a second....I'm what??
On the phone last night with a friend of mine that I haven't seen in ahwile who is celebrating her birthday this week. We talked about how long it had been since we had seen each other and I commented on how quickly time seems to move here in New York. Days turn to weeks quicker than any other time in my life. Maybe it's constantly having someplace to be, maybe it's the inherent pace of the city, maybe it's just life...but she joked that, before we knew it, we'd be 40. I sorta laughed, but I said...
"Well, I don't know about that...but, I will be 30 next year."
"When's your birthday," she asked.
"April 12th," I replied.
Her response? "Yeah...you are old."
Now, I don't think of myself as being old, but it did get me thinking. I suppose that each time a person approaches the next decade of their existence, they re-evaluate a bit, look back on where they've been, what they've accomplished and, of course, where they are headed.
Maybe it was that conversation, or maybe it was thinking about my Pop Pop, but I've been very introspective today, thinking about all of those things. I have accomplished quite a bit thus far, in my personal and professional life. I've lived and worked in different areas of the country, completed two degrees and now find myself living in what many consider to be the greatest city on Earth.
But I am thinking about doing something really big to kick-off my 30's, something adventurous. My Pop Pop travelled the world in the service (flew in and was shot down WWII), Mom and Dad lived in Germany for a year...what huge story do I have at this point? I mean, I have stories...but nothing HUGE yet.
Last spring I read a book by Bill Bryson called A Walk in the Woods, which chronicled his time walking the Appalachian Trail and it stirred up something inside of me. What would that be like? Over 2000 miles, on foot...now THERE'S a story. So, I'm going to begin doing the research, making a basic plan and, if the opportunity is there to take some time away from this place and this career, I'm going to make a go of it. Who knows? His story made a great book...perhaps mine could make a great one man show. Only time will tell and, as I am continuously learning, it moves much faster than you think.
"Well, I don't know about that...but, I will be 30 next year."
"When's your birthday," she asked.
"April 12th," I replied.
Her response? "Yeah...you are old."
Now, I don't think of myself as being old, but it did get me thinking. I suppose that each time a person approaches the next decade of their existence, they re-evaluate a bit, look back on where they've been, what they've accomplished and, of course, where they are headed.
Maybe it was that conversation, or maybe it was thinking about my Pop Pop, but I've been very introspective today, thinking about all of those things. I have accomplished quite a bit thus far, in my personal and professional life. I've lived and worked in different areas of the country, completed two degrees and now find myself living in what many consider to be the greatest city on Earth.
But I am thinking about doing something really big to kick-off my 30's, something adventurous. My Pop Pop travelled the world in the service (flew in and was shot down WWII), Mom and Dad lived in Germany for a year...what huge story do I have at this point? I mean, I have stories...but nothing HUGE yet.
Last spring I read a book by Bill Bryson called A Walk in the Woods, which chronicled his time walking the Appalachian Trail and it stirred up something inside of me. What would that be like? Over 2000 miles, on foot...now THERE'S a story. So, I'm going to begin doing the research, making a basic plan and, if the opportunity is there to take some time away from this place and this career, I'm going to make a go of it. Who knows? His story made a great book...perhaps mine could make a great one man show. Only time will tell and, as I am continuously learning, it moves much faster than you think.
posted by J.T. at 9:32 PM
4 Comments:
It amazes me how states and lives apart I still feel so connected to you. I've spent the last 4 months of my life re-evaluating my life. Looking for what the defining moment is thus far and where I am heading next. The only answer I can find is that the purpose to life is to find purpose in life. Whether that is walking thru the mountains or walking thru NYC.
Hi JT!
I'm one of Malia's friends and I found your blog through her's. I know I don't know you all that well (well I guess really not at all except that you're fun to have breakfast with :) but if it makes any difference, as I was reading you posts, it seemed to me like you had quite a story to tell already and I hope one day I can say the same. If you ever do make it out to the Blue Ridge though, I hope it turns out to be everything you're looking for.
Hey
Message from Warner.
Fix your comment thingy so he can leave you comments too. (he's not on blogspot) Oh, and I'd turn on your "type in these letters" confirmation thing too or you will end up with a whole lot of spam.
Do you like my very technical speak?
I miss you
Welcome to the blogging world. I posted a link to your blog under Fun Stuff, (you are still fun stuff aren't you?) on Life on the Wicked Stage: Act 2. Follow some links for the Lee/Brown pics. You might even see a couple of yourself.
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