Old Dog = New Tricks?

I graduated from college in 1994. Does that seem like a long time ago to you? If you're 60...probably not. If you're 20...yeah...that was like before the iPod was invented right? Right. In my mind it doesn't seem like a long time ago. Probably because I still feel like I'm 21. My wife can attest to the fact that I have the maturity level of someone in their early twenties.

OK so with that in mind who thinks this writer is crazy for entertaining the thought of going back to school? Who thinks this writer's wife should get a medal for not only tolerating but actually supporting this decision? She's pretty awesome. I hit the lottery with her. But that's a different post for a different day.

So...back to me. I ask you...what could have changed in the 17 years since I graduated from college? They still use books and conduct lectures led by professors right? The only difference I can foresee is that this time around I'll have a wife and kids along for the ride. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.

I plan I learning more about a program whereby I go to school for 13 months and at the end of it I graduate with my master's degree and my teaching certificate. If I decide to move ahead with it I'll be too legit to quit by June of 2013. Look out high school students of America!

That Cut Deep

Have you ever had an exchange with a friend that really cut you deep...but in a good way? A way that made you rethink things? Something that struck at the heart of what you've been thinking and feeling but were never able to confront it? I did recently and it went like this:

 My wife and I were sitting around drinking some wine and generally having a wonderful time with our good friends (another couple) who live in town. We got to talking about what we could help each other with. The scene went like this:

Female Friend to My Wife: "I'm OK with Excel but I really need to be able to produce this spreadsheet to help me map out the sequences for the play I'm directing."

My Wife: "Oh my God! I can totally help you with that. I'll make you a deal. I love the way your house is decorated. If you come and help me arrange my furniture I'll help you with spreadsheets."
FF: "Done"

At this point her husband (my friend) interjects: "So Joe, I'm teaching you guitar. What can you teach me?"

This elicited a smart ass remark about teaching him to paint faster (my former profession) but I was left thinking...what do I have to teach? It occurred to me that I had very little to offer him. He speaks Spanish, he plays guitar and despite my bitchy comment he is actually a pretty good house painter.

It occurred to me right then that I want to teach people things. I want to be helpful. Stay tuned to my life...

Growing Up

Today was the first day that I sent both of my children on the bus to school. I didn't think it was going to be a big deal. My son is in 4th grade now. Been there done that...right? Wrong.

My daughter got on the bus for her first day of kindergarten today and my stomach just knotted up. As she looked at me through the bus window in the pouring rain (it was in fact pouring...not just hyperbole) I realized something. I realized that life keeps moving. Just yesterday she was born. Today she's in Kindergarten. Tomorrow she's off to college. Time stands still for no man. In my head 1995 was a few days ago. News flash - incorrect! In the words of the great David Byrne: "You may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?"

Good question David. I don't have the answer. I don't think anyone does. Anyone who claims to is either delusional or trying to sell you something.

I'm proud of my kids. I'm excited to see them grow. Let's hope I continue to grow along with them...