60, It's only a number

On Wednesday, October 10, I achieved a milestone, having now lived 6 decades and embarked on my 7^th. On one hand, it was a day like any other. I really can’t be given too much credit for having been born. Truth be told, if given a choice I probably would have hung around in the womb for a little while longer. After all, although I have no memories of the place, from what I have learned, it was probably very safe and comfortable in there, and not much was expected of me. As to reaching 60, I just kept inhaling and exhaling, and putting one foot in front of the other. Even so, society seems to think it is a big deal, given the congratulations from family and friends, even some from those of the latter group that I haven’t heard from in years.

On the other hand, I do have to admit that as a milestone, this one seems slightly surreal, especially since I don’t feel anywhere near mature enough to be this old.

Having reached this exalted state, several things apply. For one, I cannot claim the designation of “middle-aged” anymore. I am far past the middle of my life. To be there, I would have to live to be 120 years old, an unlikely (and probably undesirable) proposition. For another, I guess I am supposed to have attained some degree of wisdom and perspective on life in general, and my life in particular. Not too sure about the former, but I think I have a bit more of a handle on perspective.

Perspective is an interesting thing. Webster’s aside, I think perspective means having a realistic assessment of life, based on one’s experiences and world view. For one thing, I will never be a giant in my field as my plastic surgery mentor and residency director, Dr. Millard, was. All I can hope to do is to represent my training and my professor to the best of my ability in my little sphere in Lake County, FL. It is doubtful I will ever be a major celebrity, history making researcher, politician, or athlete. Rather than find this disappointing, I am totally OK with my relative anonymity. It has been my observation that most, if not all, people who attain uniquely lofty achievements pay for these in some other area of their lives. This is perfectly described by the chorus in Sophocles’ play Antigone which declares, “Nothing vast enters the life of mortals without a curse”. I think Sophocles nailed it.

I could have spent MY “special” day in many ways. I could have done some grueling endurance event, jumped from an airplane for the first time, visited some heretofor unknown exotic land, or done any of a number of landmark things. Instead I spent that day as one of several babysitting my granddaughter, Emerson, with my wife, while my daughter and son-in-law headed off to a 3 day conference. It was perfection.

(I had to add this part after completing this blog earlier- Sal suggested we plan a nice, belated birthday dinner on  when our daughter, Lindsey, and David had returned from their conference. In the late afternoon, David left to meet someone for a talk. Later, he texted that he was back with some groceries in the car, so Lindsey sent me out to help bring them in. I hit the garage door button and as I approached the rising door, I noted 3 pairs of legs coming into view outside. As the door opened, I was looking at my son, Travis; girlfriend, Heather; and daughter, Olivia, who had flown up to be here for my birthday. This was Sally’s surprise gift to me. To say I was in shock would be a gross understatement. I began laughing uncontrollably. Did I say that Wednesday was perfection? No, this was perfection and the surprise of my life. Having all my family with me for the celebration, now THAT was perfection!)

I truly believe that 60 is only a number. I can't say how old I feel but it certainly isn’t 60. If 60 feels like this it certainly isn't what I envisioned. 40, perhaps, or maybe even 30. In my own mind, I am still a somewhat insecure 17 year old with a broad range of interests and a fascination about life and this world in which we find ourselves. Like I said earlier, surreal. 

Meanwhile, the slow march toward FI-2013 proceeds inexorably. Without planning, discipline, and proper training I know that it is unlikely I will see this to a successful conclusion. Besides, I want this to be fun. Being uncomfortable is one thing. Agony and possible injury are another altogether. The next month will be spent strategizing and planning, while trying to build a base from which to jump off when the training begins in earnest. Of course, I still have to get registered on November 3.

This week’s summary of my road to FI2013- 385 days to go:

Swam- 2350 yards

Ran- 21.57 miles

Bike- None this week as I was out of town.