Skip to main content

So...Thirty-One?

So today I turn thirty-one years old. Unlike past years where I have some witty words or symbolic meaning on turning a certain age - "What 27 Means" is one of the most read posts on this blog for some reason - I simply cannot come up with anything. Really, I've got nothing. 

It's not that thirty-one is pointless, or I don't have goals for the next year, or that I'm settled on the person I am - all of the former will probably never happen - it's just that as of right now, thirty one just feels, well, umm...about as odd as thirty one sounds. 

I cannot describe it. I'm guessing thirty one is one of those ages that will define itself as the year goes on. After all, we all spend the latter years of our twenties preparing for thirty and the big 3-0, that we never truly look beyond it. And thirty one is definitely that feeling of, "oh yeah, this thing called life continues past 30, huh?"

Regardless, I'm still in love with 31. I don't nearly feel as old physically as the younger twenty somethings state, and I'm definitely, more than ever, beginning to realize how stupid the decisions I use to make really are. 

I guess that's part of this whole deal. Growing up. Being an adult. And making the next year better than the previous. That's all I can ask, and that's truly all I want. 

I'm looking forward to thirty-one. Bring it on. 

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?