Sunday, October 01, 2006

Shrug

I officially turn 40 later this week, and it's weird. Mrs. Greyhound and her "family of origin" make a big deal out of birthdays. Mine, not so much. There were so many in the extended family near by that we saved up birthdays, and mine usually got lumped together with a cousin, my dad, and a grandma.
So Mrs. Greyhound is completely nonplussed and frusrated when she asks me what I want or what I want to do, and all she gets is the shrug. This, after 17 years of marriage and 19 birthdays in which she has gotten basically the same reaction.
At this point in my life I have a lot of "things." I don't need any more "things" and if I see some shiny "thing" that I just can't live without, it tends to get bought. I've bought enough things to predict that they only excite for awhile anyway.
There are some non-material "things" that I would like; the problem, however, is that they are harder to come by than the shiny stuff. It's not the kind of stuff you can request for a birthday present. But I really, really want them.

I want to discover triathlon when I'm 25. I want the friendships I have at 40, only 15 years earlier.
I want to do my 30s over again, with just a little confidence this time.
I want my wife to be healthy enough to swim, bike and run with me.
I want to laugh more often, to love more recklessly, and live like there is no tomorrow.
I want to be known for random acts of kindness, not as the smart, quiet guy.
I want to do and enjoy this sport until I run out of age groups, and die in an endorphinated sleep after my last finish line beer.

I want a 45 degree evening where the air is dry, the mountains are still, and all of my friends are gathered around an outdoor fireplace after an epic training ride, laughing and sharing stories. Our group includes not only my close friends like Maria Gratia, Ubergreyhound, Coach T, Scuba Steve, but also the bloggers I have met in real life like Kahuna, Iron Wil, Stu, Trisaratops, Bolder, Trimama, Taconite Boy, Mishele . . . . It even includes the close friends I have never met, like Triboomer, Brett, A.J., Nytro, Iron Benny, . . . . Besides our laughter, all you can hear is the wind in the pines, and the Blue River gurgling down the valley. None of us has to leave, none has to go back to work, none wants to . . .

Well, it's what I want. **shrug**

14 comments:

Trisaratops said...

Man....now I know what to ask for at Christmas. :)

Unknown said...

For what it's worth, in my mind you are already known for random acts of kindness. Your donation was unexpected and generous - i.e. random and kind. :)

the Dread Pirate Rackham said...

happy birthday greyhound

Anonymous said...

left me speechless, greyhound. happy birthday.

Bolder said...

HAPPY B-DAY TO THE T-HOUND!

i wish i could give you that list my friend, but, i can help you out on at least one of them...

oh, and if it helps, i never thought you were that smart... no need to thank me, i'm here to help.

HAPPY B-DAY TO THE T-HOUND!!

Habeela said...

In my mind you already are the "random acts of kindness AND the smart, quiet guy" - the picture of social justice at it's best. I can only hope to be as generous when I finally pay off my student loans. Happy birthday!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, G-Dog. I find it hard to believe that you lacked confidence at any time in your life. I also find it amazing that you don't see yourself as someone who performs random acts of kindness. I think that you likely influence more people than you realize just by being you. I mean, for the love of Pete, after you challenged me to SOMA, I actually did a double-day. That's. HUGE.

Happy Birthday. Can't wait to see you and the Mrs. in SOMA. I'll be at the finish line holding your beer.

21st Century Mom said...

Happy Birthday and I think this post proves that we just get better, not older.


I already sent your present so rock on and train hard!

Allez said...

Have a wonderful birthday!

The Stretch Doc said...

Totally Great Post, GreyHound. Have a Great Birthday this week, hey, at least it will be totally hot and humid here, LOL...
Rockon`...

Taconite Boy said...

Happy B-Day Greyhound....looking forward to immoo with ya next year!!!

Taconite Boy said...

You light the fire, we'll bring the scotch! Happy next decade Greyhound!

TRI TO BE FUNNY said...

Greyhound--Sounds like you already have most of your "dream gifts." They just showed up in your life at a time when you can finally appreciate them. Happiest of Birthdays!!!

TriBoomer a.k.a. Brian said...

G'dog,

Happy Birthday. I think it's safe to say that all of us who have met you, read your blog, or are the beneficiaries of your kindness are better people for it. It's on your birthday that we should realize that we were the ones getting the gifts all along.

Stay tuned...