I'm strolling through the supermarket making animal noises for Micah. A boy glides through on a skateboard and I get angry; but I quickly decide that the manager can deal with that issue. Micah begins to dance to a song he recognizes from Shrek. I stop by the milk and lament at the spike in price. Four dollar oil seems somewhat reasonable, but milk should stay within three dollars. I stop by the cleaning supplies and pick up a box of Borax - the magic ingredient that has saved my life in so many ways.
When the song switches to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it becomes too much for me. This was the band that used to prance around in their tighty whities. They were a raw grunge band, producing anti-authoritarian anthems that I pretended to understand as an adolescent. I realize, at this point, that I'm getting old.
I'm too excited about cantelope still being on sale. I know the theme song to Caillou, a children show about a bald four year old. I actually understand Garisson Keiller. I cost compare and buy store-brand. I get irritated when the youth are too loud in public. I think hefeweizen is a gift from God, but when I drink it, I secretly wonder about calories. I drive an SUV. Yeah, I'm grown up.
For what it's worth, I welcome this grown up stage. When I was a kid, I always felt like my personality was a mini-grown-up. I have always been faithful, somewhat simple and interested in deep conversation. I listened to NPR in high school and refused to wear name-brand clothes, not out of an indie, anti-corporate impulse; but for the pragmatic issue of cost effectiveness. I enjoyed learning and I could never participate in conversations that revolved around quoting Chris Farley movies.
When the song switches to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it becomes too much for me. This was the band that used to prance around in their tighty whities. They were a raw grunge band, producing anti-authoritarian anthems that I pretended to understand as an adolescent. I realize, at this point, that I'm getting old.
I'm too excited about cantelope still being on sale. I know the theme song to Caillou, a children show about a bald four year old. I actually understand Garisson Keiller. I cost compare and buy store-brand. I get irritated when the youth are too loud in public. I think hefeweizen is a gift from God, but when I drink it, I secretly wonder about calories. I drive an SUV. Yeah, I'm grown up.
For what it's worth, I welcome this grown up stage. When I was a kid, I always felt like my personality was a mini-grown-up. I have always been faithful, somewhat simple and interested in deep conversation. I listened to NPR in high school and refused to wear name-brand clothes, not out of an indie, anti-corporate impulse; but for the pragmatic issue of cost effectiveness. I enjoyed learning and I could never participate in conversations that revolved around quoting Chris Farley movies.
The truth is that, in high school, I knew grocery store music and I thought that Jim Croce sounded cool. I would have been just as annoyed at the skater in the supermarket. I used to freeze up when my friends were too loud and "played games" with retail workers. The truth is that, for the first time ever, I feel like my life actually matches who I am. Which is pretty cool, becuase I don't feel like I have to pretend.
In being a dad, a husband and a teacher, I feel like I am in roles that fit who I am to my core. And I don't seem so out of place when I listen to NPR.
The views of this blog are those of the author only . . . and a few people crazy enough to agree with him. They do not in any way represent those of the Cartwright School District or its staff. If you find something offensive, please e-mail me at socialvoice@gmail.com and we'll engage in a respectful dialogue.
6 comments:
Yep! You are "getting" old.-er. I recognize the signs. Wait until your son gets to be a teen. He will un-age you if you pay attention to his music and talk. I mean really talk. I think it is funny that my kids high school music is recognizable by me. They were shocked when I knew Debbie Harry was Blondie.
I've listened to Prairie Home Companion since I was seven. Does that make me, like 50 in NPR years?
:)
I'm convinced that your personality has been molded by the years you spent working at Albertson's. All that grocery store music does something to a person's soul. As a 2 1/2 year veteran of Jewel Foods (owned by Supervalu - the same parent co. of Albertson's), I speak from experience
BTW - you know i'm an NPR junkie too, but Garrison Kellor? Yikes. PCH is maybe the one program I can't listen too. Too much camp: The Guy Noir skits, News from Lake Woebegon, and the fiddles & folksongs are too much even for me.
I've always loved This American Life, Car Talk and Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. But somewhere in the middle of this last year, I was listening to "Prarie Home Companion" and it clicked with me. I know, Dan. I should be really concerned.
Yet, gladly, you are not.
:) Dan
Garrison Keillor rules! I love his show. I know what you mean about the job/lifestyle fitting your true self - I started teaching two years ago and experienced the same thing myself. Also This American Life is good.
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