Tag: old

The Spirit of Adventure

~ Richard Solano ~ Leave a comment

Today, as our church is in the middle of an “At the Movies” series, we learned from the movie Up.

I can relate to Carl. You know, the old guy from the movie.

Life seems to fly by.

But, as we learned today, life can be an adventure.

Make no mistake, getting older stinks, but it beats the alternative.

More and more, I find myself glancing in the mirror and wondering who that old man over there is.

I don’t feel old.

But then, when I get on the ground to do something, I always think “is there anything else I need to do while I’m down here.

I still walk a lot.

I tend to work circles around those younger than me.

And then I’m ready for a nap.

I tend to listen to a lot of hip-hop and pop music…

mixed in with the oldies…

at high volume…

because I don’t hear as well any more.

I’ve worked with youth for years, which helps me feel younger.

And now I have a head full of grey hair.

Honestly, I don’t feel my age.

If you’re wondering, I’ll hit the big 6-0 next March.

Does getting older really stink?

Sure, there are parts of it I could do without.

 

  • I can’t look at a hamburger without gaining a couple pounds.
  • I get winded after going up a few flights of stairs (but I take them anyway).
  • Pain is a near constant companion.

 

But there are so many benefits to getting older.

 

  • I’ve forgotten more than most 20-year-olds know.
  • I have more confidence now than ever before.
  • With my experience, I’ve gotten very good at my job.
  • People give me more respect than ever before.
  • Two words – Senior Discounts!
  • Finally, my relationship with God is stronger than ever before.

 

You can see the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

Even though I’ve had many adventures and am getting a little older, that doesn’t mean the adventures have to stop.

In fact, I’m just a little over 5 years from retirement from my day job. Then I’ll have another whole set of adventures.

Whether you’re 17 or 77,

Don’t let the adventure stop.

Cherish each moment.

Remember the good ones and put the bad behind you.

Then move on to the next great adventure!

Just keep a watch out for me ‘cause this adventurer is cruising along!

Flaky Outlook

~ Richard Solano ~ 2 Comments

When I was a kid, snow was a thing of awe!

Growing up in Fresno, CA, I can recall only one time that it snowed at our home. All the kids went out into the yard to scrape together snowballs, build a small snowman, and have a snowball fight.

All the kids but me. I somehow managed to come down with a cold that day. Mom wouldn’t let me go outside.

Then we moved to San Mateo, near the coast and snow was a few hours’ drive away.

Now I live in Colorado and tend to take snow for granted.

Snow in the forecast conjures up visions of shoveling, bumper to bumper traffic, and fender benders.

I caught that snowflake above last Thursday at Eldora Ski Resort where they hope to open this week! My customer there pointed out the amazing flake shapes that were coming down. They’re tough to capture on a phone camera but they were really cool (literally).

Despite the awesome snowflakes,

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that winter is coming.

The short days and cold, achy temperatures get me down.

I’ve wondered before what advice I would give to my younger self. Maybe I should flip that script.

What would my younger self tell me about winter?

  • “You’re so lucky you just have to go outside to play in the snow.”
  • “If I could afford it, I’d put up a million Christmas lights, and leave them up all winter!”
  • “I bet it’d be fun to go sliding in your car around a snow-covered parking lot!”
  • “Mmmmm, hot chocolate!”
  •             “I can catch more snowflakes on my tongue than you!”

Maybe I’ll listen to my younger self this winter.

I’m certainly game for more Christmas lights. I’ve already had my first hot chocolate of the season. And if we get a big snowstorm, don’t be surprised if you see an even bigger snowman on out front lawn!

For now, I intend to enjoy these next few warm days before it really starts cooling off.

Pardon me while I go get the sleds ready while the garage is still warm…