Reflections, Contemplations, and Cerebrations

Hello boys and girls. This is one of my more serious blogs today. So if you'll indulge me tonight, I would like to reflect without the worry of insane humor or off topic jokes.
It has been ten years, and what a time. Ten years ago I was a fresh recruit in the United States Air Force, and I had left home forever, never to return. I joined the AF in October, and by late November I was out of basic training and in my tech training. It was an interesting time period full of discovery, youthful mistakes, and chocked full of adventure. The other night I was sitting in my apartment looking out at yet another beautiful Arizona sunset, and the colors and dimming sky sent me into a reverie of a time long ago when the world was being given over to my generation. At this time, most of my fellow gen-xers (or whatever the hell we are called) were off to college, and a few off to the military like me. I wanted to go to college, but I needed the money, so the AF seemed like the best place to get some.
Now back then, in case most of you have forgot (and I'm more than positive you have) it was not considered "cool" to be in the military like it is now. In fact, back then there were still people that made fun of those in uniform. I had more than my fair share of people that told me I was stupid for joining. These days, pop culture has turned it around. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that military men and women are being respected, but it is more of a "trying to be like everyone else" thing than an actual respect. Sept. 11 changed many people's views, not because of the sacrifices of our military, but because if these people didn't show respect to the military, then they would be ostricized by the public.
Anyway, I won't go into that tonight. My point is, back then we had a president that made a mockery of that office, and screwed our military over at every chance. Also, the general attitude of the average person back then was heaped in "90's" self indulgence, cynicysm, and self importance at other people's expense. I won't lie, I had my share of that as well like anyone.
Anyway, I'm off subject. Back then I had left home, and I knew that I would never be able to go back. Yes I could visit, but the point I'm trying to make was that my childhood was officially over. While most of my contemporaries were in college with all the things that go with that, I was in the military, trying to make the most out of some interesting situations. I had given up my freedom to protect the freedom of my country, but most of the people didn't care at that time. Honestly, I didn't care that they didn't care, so apathy was the order of the day. Now in tech school, there was a feeling and attitude that resembled college on many levels, even though we had to follow strict rules and regulations. There was still some freedom that we enjoyed, and we took full advantage of that. In other words, I had a lot of fun. My head was in the clouds, and I was a dreamer with the world at my feet. That sunset I watched reminded me of this time period. I didn't have a care in the world...mostly. I knew that I was now out and on the path that would lead me to the rest of my life.
Most of the people from my generation had lofty goals, but nearly all of them failed. I mean no offense, it's just that after several years I was able to find out what happened to many of these people. So many of them got into drugs, became alcoholics, had kids, got married and then divorced...in that order, sometimes in another order, or some combination. Almost everyone of them dropped out of school. Since then, very few have gone back, and very few have graduated. So here I am ten years later. Yes I am finally in school, and yes it is taking me forever to finish, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to make sure I'm taking the right classes, and I want to make sure I have the right degree. But looking back, to quote old blue eyes, "regrets, I've had a few," and yes I have made mistakes, but I never let that stop me. Why? Because as Frank would say, "I did it my way." I have seen more, and did more than many people twice my age, or even three times my age. However, sometimes I still look back, and I miss the innocence that I left behind. I miss the care free fun that made youth so intoxicating.
Childhood is over now, and I can never go back. That is what it means "to never go home again." For all of you that understands what I'm talking about, feel free to share with me some of those good times. I write about my childhood, you should write about yours. I had the best time growing up, and my youth went out with a bang! Even though I'm older now, I'm still young at heart. I have never let that part of me go away. I need it now more than ever. So it was nice to sit and reflect on the last ten or so years, and be reminded of the fun I had. Yes it is true that I have a lot of fun now too, but it is different then it was back then. Each day for me is full of interesting and entertaining moments. However, I still tend to see somethings that send me back to days where life was less complicated, and the only responsibility I had to worry about was really nothing at all. Yes I have burned a few bridges, some of them while I was still on them! If I were to publish the story of my life, it would read like a collection of adventures that would take you away into another world. Maybe someday I will try to publish it, or maybe I'll just leave it for those that come after me. Anyway, the point of all of this is that, no matter where in life you may find yourself, take a moment to remember the fun you've had. If you can't think of anything, then you're just not living life. It is not too late to change that, but it is too late to go back. I still have fun, and we should all enjoy what we have. I could go on, but I'll end it here...the blog that is. I still have the rest of my life to live. Hopefully, I'll see you all along the way. If not, well then, get out of my way.
Life is too short to take everything so seriously. Laugh a little more, smile more often, love like you never have before, and enjoy what you can. Tell others your story, and never forget to thank God for every minute of it all, good and bad. He gave us free will, so choose to live, and don't be afraid of it. As an optimist with a cynical streak and a good sense of humor, may I wish you all a good journey.
And don't forget to stop and smell the flowers...

Universal Tim Norris
Because I just had to be me, since 1978