It was 12:01 a.m. and my drink was starting to water down by
the minute.
I was standing in the middle of the patio at the world
famous Dingus Bar and Lounge in Knoxville, Iowa. The 53rd FVP
Knoxville Nationals were well underway and the R&R crew had motored into
town with a 29 foot RV, parked carefully at the Knoxville ball diamonds. Shirts
and merch had been delivered and the “relaxing” was well underway. As the clock
began a new day, I was reminded of the fact that I was starting my 25th
year on the good planet earth. Free drinks and a few toasts ensued and then I
began to settle into the fact that I had hit the quarter century mark.
Based on life expectancy, I was crossing the one-third
mark. Good health and plenty of opportunities had afforded me a great life at
the big two-five. I have an excellent job in a field that I am extremely passionate
about. I am blessed with great family and friends. Ambition is a double-edged
sword but I’ll count it as a positive. Financial stability is always nice.
Education? Masters is an option for the future.
Despite success in some areas, there are several episodes in
which I have come up short. a few things I’m not proud of. However, in life, you
learn that those instances are merely lessons that must be learnt for when similar
situations present themselves.
Since my new age is a substantial milestone, I thought it
might be wise to list some of the more important lessons that I have learned so
far:
- · Apple products are stylish and hip but vastly over priced.
- · People weren’t lying…… location is everything in real estate.
- · They right tailor can make a $100 suit into a masterpiece.
- · It’s worth the five dollars to cut up your own fruit.
- · Tell your mother that you love her when you are on the phone with her.
- · Drive older cars…… May not look as stylish but certainly cheaper to tag, repair and insure.
- · Be a person that lets people know where they stand. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to build a skyscraper on shifty bed rock.
- · Believe in something bigger than yourself. Could be religion or even just the universe. I don't care. When everything comes crashing down (and it will at one point) you at least have something to get you through.
- · Take care of yourself. This means exercising, eating right, keeping up on hygiene etc. etc. It all creates an undeniable first impression.
- · Going along with the aforementioned tip, learn how to cook fellas. Women eat it up (no pun intended.)
- · Don’t be afraid to venture beyond your comfort zone. Exciting possibilities await just outside the boundaries you have set up.
- · Never shy away from a challenge. They build skills, knowledge and character.
- · Last but most importantly, remember that time is the only thing in this existence that cannot be refunded nor exchanged. Use it VERY wisely.
Sure, there is more in my knowledge bank but these are the
most applicable to everyday life. Echoing some of the statements above, remember
that this is something called life. Good and bad things will happen, some plans
will work and some will not. Adapting is the best way to win this nine inning marathon. Keep your chin up, smile and be sure to have a nice word or two to say.
It just may get you another 25 years and a watered down drink at 12:01 a.m.
P.S. I am reviving “Gump on the Run” to chronical my
travels, adventures and continued wisdom gathering. I hope you enjoy and will come along for the ride.
