thisoldblog.net

This past weekend, I had the rare pleasure of leaving the wife and kids at home to spend the afternoon/evening with some old friends of mine.

yup, like your typical “whipped” husband, I rarely get any free time outside of my usual household & parental duties.

But my buddy whom I’ve known since grade school was turning *40* this weekend and he invited all his “groomsmen” from his wedding for a sort of reunion at his house. Since I’ll be turning the big 4-0 this year as well, I felt an extra “kinship” with the guy and agreed to make the two hour trek to his house.

It was great seeing the guys again after all these years. I literally haven’t seen some of the guys since my friend’s wedding over 15 years ago. I had a good time for the most part but I soon realized that these types of reunions conjure up all sorts of not-so-pleasant reminders that I’ve tried so long NOT to think about… like:

- how little I’ve actually achieved (in financial terms and status) over the last 15 years
- how ambitious I was back then compared to how run-down and unmotivated I am now
- how my 40 year old friend has much nicer furnishings than I do
- and finally, I’ve realized how bad I am at small talk and at keeping conversations
going with folks I no longer know so well

but definitely the take home message I found myself dwelling on during my drive home was how little I’ve got to show for at the 40 year mark.

Yes, I have a family, a house and a job and such. and I’m thankful for all those things but really nothing to boast or brag about.

and especially at these reunions and gatherings, I’ve got nothing. I suck.

remind me in the future to never agree to attend these sorts of reunions or gatherings ever again!