Older

I am awake at 5:30 in the morning on a Saturday. I can only think that it wasn't that long ago that this was the time I would normally be getting in. Just a sign of getting older, I suppose. While I'm at it, I may as well mention other signs that I've noticed.

I remember maybe five or six years ago that I only really needed four hours of sleep. I would stay up late playing online games like Slingo or Literati or Yahoo! Pool. Good times. Great chats with some friends. Even some late night phone calls with old friends just shooting the breeze. Some nights, I would get to bed at 3 am and get ready for work at 7. No longer. It's a miracle if I can stay awake past 11 anymore.

I also remember being able to come home from work, shower, redress, and head out to party with friends well on into the wee morning hours. I can still do that... Just on two conditions: 1. It's not on a "school night" and 2. I get home from work early enough to get a nap.

I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted without repercussions. Those days are over. I have to plan for splurging on good foods that are bad for me. It has to be on a weekend. The office is not a good place for Montezuma to take out his vengeance. And there's no sense in wasting sick / vacay days if you don't have to.

I keep my head shaved out of convenience. No muss, no fuss. Recently, I've let my hair grow out. I am now accepting the fact that this lightness in my hair is not the dog's hair caught in mine. It's not dandruff. And it's not lightweight filler from the putty manufacturing facility where I work. It's gray.

Here's the thing. I do not feel old. These effects suck, but my spirit refuses to accept any aging. I am still a kid at heart. I realize that taking better care of my body is necessary. And oddly enough, once that happens, the late nights partying and drinking and getting in late will be counterproductive to a healthy lifestyle. I guess it's time to grow up and stay young.

I am off to start the day. Be well and swell.