Growing Up

Growing Up
Originally uploaded by ryanloyd.

I'm almost 30. That's a very scary statement, especially considering that I'm 27 right now and three whole years separate me from that turning point.



But as I grow older I've picked up on some things, two just very recently. Tonight I am enjoying a bottle of Baroncini Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (like a Merlot) with Janette and Sarah. I'm wearing jeans, a brown polo tucked in with a brown belt and my brown flip flops. I shouldn't have done that. I'm not in college, and I feel a wee bit out of place. I think about thoe small adjustments that distinguish 20 year olds from 30 year olds. I may have the social skills to operate in an adult world, in a jazz bar. But I guess it also helps to have the dress skills to be a part of that world.



Last night at Thanksgiving dinner round two (we ate lunch at noon) my mom was asking my dress shirt size. 17 1/2 34/35. My mom was overwhelmed with that number, citing her complete continuing disgust with my weight. I rudely told her that I'm not 12 anymore. I'm a grown man, and yes, while I'm not at my ideal weight or fitness level, a man in his mid-to-late 20's is not going to be a twig...unless he's a 7 foot tall lanky basketball player or someone with an eating disorder.



I think that as I grow into later 20's, as I become an actual 30 year old man, and as I take on the role of a citizen reaching beyond his prime, I'm in a much different place than I was 10 years ago. It's like grooming for television...although I don't do a lot of that now...as a lowly one-man-band. But I see colleagues of mine who are on the desk and I see what effort they've put into making themselves look very distinguished. They aren't 'youngins with college t-shirts and irregular piercings. They are dignified, they keep their hair cut and combed, and they take substantial measures to have the clothes and face wash they need to look their best. As I move into a possible next phase in my career, I'll just keep these nuggets in my head and remember... I never have to really act my age, but sometimes it's nice to look it, even for the sake of self-satisfaction and verification.

And looks aren't everything...but if it helps you feel better, like getting a brand new pair of sneakers, then why the hell not?



:)