Getting old...

On Friday I'll turn 35! Wow.. I actually filled out a survey yesterday, and there were a couple of different age categories to choose from.. I chose the 25- 34 age group but soon.. too soon, I'll have to choose the 35+ category. But I'll reflect on my most recent years as my birthday approaches...





First of all, I'll start by staying that I have an amazing family. They are always there for me, and my only regret is that I cannot see them as much as I'd like to. Since I've moved back to Ohio, I'm able to see them more often, but in some ways, I see them less. When I use to drive down from Michigan, I'd actually stay the weekend but now that I live a little more than an hour way, I don't really stay weekends anymore. I actually miss those times.





Besides my immediate family, I have many cousins that I'm close to. My mother is the first of 10 kids, and so as you can imagine, the family is large. With as many cousins that I have, naturally I'm closer to some more than others, though I do love all of them and would do anything for them. In fact, every year almost all of us, including my grandmother, aunts and uncles get together for a family vacation and so far nobody has killed anyone. :-) Recently we went to the Outer Banks, Gatlinburg, Put-In-Bay and Florida. This year we are headed back to Put-In-Bay and I'm already looking forward to it!





I feel like I'm not reflecting enough...let me try again...





If I was asked when I was 15 how life would be when I was in my mid-30's, I'm pretty sure I would not guess that I' be living in an apartment, divorced, without kids. I would've guessed that I'd be wealthy and living in a mansion, of course. But... that's where I currently am. So be it..





I had a house.. a beautiful house.. I really loved it actually, but that was in Michigan, when I had a wife. But that was another life, and honestly I am better now. I am dating a mature woman (but not too mature) who cares for me, I believe. It is still fairly early in our relationship, but it is at the exciting period, where there is a lot of flirting, romance and hope. So I'm in a rebuilding stage right now, but am enjoying life very much.





I don't really think about my ex-wife much. There are certain times when I wonder about her, certainly. We spent 7 years together in all, I believe. And it has now been almost 3 years since the divorce. Wow.. hard to believe it has been that long since the divorce... One of the hardest parts about the divorce was losing contact with a lot of my ex-wife's family. I still miss the vast majority of them. There were so many that I never was able to say goodbye to. I am fortunate that I'm in contact my ex-wife's brothers through MySpace. Sadly, for some reason, her sister hasn't returned any of my recent emails, which surprises me a little as I always felt somewhat close to her. But family has always been important to me, and I'll always consider them family. I look back at that time with mixed thoughts. I learned who true friends were; those that stuck with me and gave me support when I needed it. We had a large wedding party; I believe 7 on each side. I am still good friends with all of those guys, and I want to say Thank You again for all of the support that they've given me. I don't believe that the ex speaks to any of the girls that were her bridesmaids (exept her sister who was the maid of honor), and that is probably telling.





Columbus is an amazing town, and I'm really happy to back here. I still see four or five guys from college every other week, and have met many new friends since I've been back. Plus, there are many great sports in town. In fact, Columbus was voted the number one sports town in the U.S.! http://newsblaze.com/story/2008100109330600008.pnw/topstory.html And this was before the Columbus Crew won their first MLS championship last year. What an amazing season that was! After 13 years, the team finally won it all.. Truly an amazing year! Here's hoping that the Blue Jackets make it to their first post-season ever. I get the feeling that this is their year..





I use to be in great shape. But my before and after pictures during my first year at Ohio State show a definite difference in my figure. I went from being extremely active to living in the computer lab, combined with tons of pizza from Catfish Biff's.... At 35, I don't feel like I'm that out of shape.. a little overweight.. but playing soccer and basketball keep me in shape pretty well.. At this point, I'm 1 pound away from being at my lowest weight in like 8 years, so I'm not feeling too bad. Although I REALLY want to lose 10 more pounds before the end of summer... I am soo looking forward to warmer weather. My girlfriend is actually competing in her 10th half marathon in May and her 2nd (or 3rd?) triathalon in June, so I'm feeling a little extra motivated to get in better shape. Believe it or not, I'm drinking less Mt. Dew. If you know me, that's probably shocking. I've always loved Mt. Dew and still do. In fact, for my birthday, I've asked the family for a book on Mt. Dew and Mt. Dew hats and shirts. :-) But really, who needs the extra calories?? And I drink it for the taste, so Diet Dew just won't do it for me... But I'm still hoping to one day finish a Mountain Dew fansite that I started with my niece. Sadly though, I have too many projects and too little time..



I wrote the previous section last nite, and was going to continue it today, but after reading it, I' think I've rambled enough... Who cares anyways? :-)



I have many many amazing and true friends who I know care for me. I have a great family. I have way too much debt, which I'm working on. I have too many toys, which of course contributed to my debt. :-) I am getting old... I somewhat recently tore my ACL and MCL while playing soccer, and actually broke 2 fingers over the weekend while playing soccer... I am starting to feel mortal... :-)



Thank you everyone that has been there for me over the years!



My goals for the future...

1) To get in better shape so that I can be better at soccer, including playing multiple times a week

2) To continue to be there for my niece, cousins, family and whoever else I need to be there for.

3) To develop a closer relationship with my current girlfriend, and if this is not honestly what I'm looking for, move on until I find a partner that is.

4) To continue to reach out to old friends so that I can reconnect (thanks facebook/myspace!)





I don't know if this post ended up like I had initially anticpated, but it is what it is. At 35, I'm healthy, employeed, and have a great family and friends. What more can a person ask for?