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Generation Gap

When did I get this way and how in the world did it happen? I can remember what my mother looked like at my age. When I was a child, I can remember what it was like to meet a "grown up." When I was in college, I believed that anyone who was not of college age was out of date. I am now 32 years old and can already notice the attitudinal and behavioral progress creeping towards old. As a teacher, I fall in generation gaps all of the time. Here are some differences I've noticed in myself. 

  • I try my best to save money for "a rainy day" (i.e. the furnace breaks) as opposed to "going out"
  • Kids walking through my yard annoy the crap out of me. (and yes, I do yell at them)
  • I will use anything to get that glowing youthful skin. 
  • My work clothes are modest and don't require me to flaunt to get a tip. 
  • "Going out after work" means I am running to Target
  • My handbag is not a fashion statement it is a status symbol
  • I have new hobbies! Gardening, cleaning, interior decorating, and dog walking. 
  • "Things" bother me - the bad driver, the kid who walks in front of my car, the coupon that is not accepted because of some restriction, people/services arriving late
  • I pay for the things I read at Borders. (and I skip the overpriced coffee)
  • I have not willingly seen 2am in a long time....(exclude insomnia and caffeine overdose) 
  • I bought new hangers for fun...really..I did. 
  • I don't walk because I have to, I do it for exercise.
  • I can tell my favorite bands/tv shows/commercials to my students and they have no idea what I am talking about. 
  • Clothing I wore when I was younger is "coming back" (aka flannel & stirrups) 
  • I talk to my dr. about "family history" and things I might be "at risk"
  • I am more than 2xs as old as my youngest student.
  • My students don't remember 9-11
  • I now believe manners and good work ethic are more important than a fancy degree.
  • I buy quality clothes because they last longer.
  • I am ok with me being me. 
Overall, change is a good thing. Every once in a while, when you are caught up on life's journey, it is good to stick your head out the window and scream, no matter how old you are. And, for the record, although I don't feel like I am aging gracefully, I would never want to be any younger than what I am now. 

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