When Did I Grow Old?

As my 41st birthday is fast approaching, i recently found myself pondering the question of when I got so old. Sure it seems like an easy question, but apparently I wasn't paying attention over the years because I never seen this day coming.

I remember graduating from high school, with my whole life in front of me and wondering what I was going to do with my life. I remember mom and dad giving me all sorts of advice that seemed so uncool to me. Maybe the old folks thought going to college was the thing to do, but my heart was set on joining at rock band. Nevermind the fact that I had no musical talent to speak of.

I had just spent the last twelve years of my life going to school and was feeling rather proud that I had somehow made it out. The last thing I was interested in was attending more school, I already knew everything there was to know. No, I had a diploma in hand and was ready to take on the responsibilities of adulthood.

So I went to work and tried to support myself the best I could, with mom and dad helping out when needed. Sure it took longer than I expected before I was finally able to fly from the nest, but I eventually made it.

Now twenty three years have passed since that naive teenager set out to be a cool dude in the adult world. I have learned alot in those years, mostly that dad was right when he told me the teen years were the best years.

Yes, this is the revelation that I have had over the last few months. I am now the same age that my dad was when I was a teenager and thought mom and dad were too old to understand what was cool. I still remember all those things that dad used to tell me all the time about responsibility and accountability. As a teen I could never understand why dad always made such a big deal about things that didn't seem to matter.

Now I find myself saying those same things in my own home. I constantly find myself saying "turn off the lights when you are not in the room, I don't own the electric company". Another phrase I find myself repeating is "turn the television off when you are not watching it".

Dad used to say that he was not made of money. I never understood what that meant when I was growing up, but now that I am paying the bills it sure makes sense. I realize that a dollar here and a dollar there can really add up over time.

When I was a teen, dad used to say the music I listened to was nothing but noise and they dont make good music anymore. I thought he was simply too old to understand what good music was. Now I find myself complaining about the noise young people now call music.

Yes, that is correct. It is time to circle the wagons and fight back against this enemy known as "old age". With a coordinated effort aimed at the very things that make me old, I will succeed in remaining forever youthful.

The place I choose to start is with music. I will start listening to Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga at least two hours a day, no matter how unpleasant the experience proves to be. After all, if I know the words the kids will surely think that I am one of them.

Then, to further the plan, I will follow their style of dress. Sure it will take some getting used to, walking around in baggy pants that are always falling down, but I have determination.

I can't forget the most important aspect of the attire, a cell phone held to my ears at all times. This is done to keep the older folks from knowing who the conversation is aimed at. This alone could provide hours of entertainment.

I am already beginning to feel like a teenager. Maybe I will even call mom and dad to see if they can give me some money for Saturday night.