 A Moment of Reflection at Midnight |
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And here it is, Sept 2, 2009, and I am 31 years old. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it.
On one hand, I'm not longer within reach of my 20s. I'm officially in my 30s, a new box to check on forms requesting my age. A new demographic. This might not seem like a big deal, but I remember my 21st birthday clearly. My dad said to me, "Congratuations, kid, 30 is right around the corner." I didn't believe him, but I should have. I am hoping he is wise and doesn't suggest that 40 is right around the corner.
On the other hand, I'm in the prime of my life. I've got a job I love, I am happy where I am living. I have amazing friends on all sides of the planet and a family who loves and supports me. I am in good health. I've defied death a few times over the years (no, I'm not disclosing how) so making it to 31 is actually a bit of an accomplishment.
I think I'm a bit disappointed that I'm not "feeling" something today. I know full well that there will not be a sudden change and suddenly all the wisdom and pains that come with 31 will arrive to slap me in my face. But shouldn't there be a sudden moment of glory or at least a form with an age questionaire to fill out?
I'm having one of those reflective days, or at least a brief moment. If anyone had told me 5 years ago that I'd be living in China and teaching I would have laughed at them. I "gave it all up" on a chance and it paid off. If anyone had told my parents that when I was born I'm sure they would have had a similar reaction. Heck, I was just an eight and a half pound lump with a full head of dark hair who liked to sleep. Instead they got to worry about scraped knees, which hand would become dominant, and whether I would ever learn to talk. Yes, my mother was worried because it took me so long to start talking. I was just waiting until I had something to say. Funny how I always have something to say, now.
Alas, it's 12:30am. I stayed up to see 31 come in. Nothing is changing today, just a number I tell people and forms. But I think this is one of those times that no change is good. Right now, I wouldn't change a thing.
2 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
September 2nd 2009 - Mom and Dad:
You were a VERY BEAUTIFUL lump. Love you. Us
September 3rd 2009 - Ron Mees: Congratulations Kris, and some thoughts!!
Many happy returns Kris, 30 is a big milestone, yep whomever you talk to they all say that , but it is usually a different age, depending on how old "they" are! The good news is you survived your 20's and are transitioning into what I found to be a very exciting period "the 30's" . I too made a radical change in my "career" of about 12 years at age 30. I had been happily married for about 7 years, and my wife likewise had a career going in finance, that eventuallyled to her becoming the youngest female Chief Financial Offcier of a Bank inCalifornia, she by the way, accomplished that just before she turned 30! Like me, she too faced a career change after succeeding in a male dominated world of banking and a few years later (late 30's) she quit a lucartive job and career, went back to cololege and graduated with honors and became a math teacher at Junior then High School.....so as you can tell, I have aprofound respect for the number that starts with a 3, you are armed with an expereince of teaching in a mysterious country to most, and the guts to tackle whatever you REALLY want..keep up the greta blog, and sorry we missed the Dinner at Ron Ford's! Happy Birthday Kris, and many many more!, Cheers, Ron Mees
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