The life I always wanted

I was out with some kayaking friends. Bill said that he heard that one of the regulars had recently gotten engaged, but he didn’t know to whom. I knew but, before I could answer, Marie said, “Well, one thing you know, it isn’t Henry.”

It wasn’t me, but I wondered why she said that. “Because it’s obvious you have the life you always wanted.”

In many respects. But, in others, the goals change over time. As we paddled, I tried to think way back to when I yearned to be a grownup.

A priority would’ve been soda. I was permitted to indulge maybe twice a month. I recall thinking that when I was out on my own, it would be root beer or black cherry wishniak every day. That would be nirvana.

Now, it’s entirely up to me and there’s not a bottle or can in my house. I’ll do Diet Coke at work, but not the sugar water.

I was required to be in bed by 9:00 PM. Or, 9:30 or 10:00, depending upon age. I looked forward to the time when I could stay up as late as I wanted.

Okay, now I can. But, I don’t. I often swim laps early in the morning, before the crowds are at the pool, so I’m not burning the midnight oil. I’m in bed before anyone has to tell me. Unfortunately, my clientele are night creatures by nature. I get a number of late night calls when they get into trouble.

I remember when no one on the street had televisions. Then the Zadarosni’s got one because Big Dan worked for RCA. Once in a while, we were invited down to partake. You watched what Big Dan wanted to watch.

Muntz made televisions affordable for the masses and we finally got one. Three channels. I was permitted a maximum of two hours a day, but that was superseded once my father got home. We watched what he wanted to watch.

Now, I have about 120 channels and complete freedom to choose. But, I seldom find something worth watching. Another dream shatters on the reef of reality.

Sometimes I’d look at our ’53 Chevy parked at the curb and wonder why they let it sit idle. If I had a car, I’d be rollin’. I’d be going places, doing things.

That, I do. Life’s too short to spend in a chair.

And, that vehicle wouldn’t be an anemic Chevy six-banger. It would be a sleek Jag XKE, big block Vette, chopped Harley or all the above.

Been there, done that. Now, comfort and utility are the priorities. Comfort in the car and the ability to easily haul kayaks and gear in the truck. Sheer excitement.

If it had been up to me, I’d have worn my favorite shirt, jeans and Keds every day. It wasn’t up to me.

Now, it is. There’s a combination that’s just right for each different day. Usually, outdoor clothing.

That wouldn’t seem to fit into a work environment. That’s why I was delighted when the memo came out that the office dress code included tasteful outdoor attire. Almost as delighted as when I wrote the memo. It’s good to be the parent.

When I was a kid, I wasn’t allowed to have friends up to my room. Now, I’m the adult. It’s good to be the adult.

So, maybe it isn’t the life I always wanted. But, it ain’t bad.