It’s 2:00 AM as I (attempt) to write this brief post on Saturday morning. For today’s late (early) edition, here are some thoughts as I look at this past Friday evening (in the moment) and at the weekend ahead.
Update: 24 to 36 hours later, I added the rest of the weekend. This is a quick one – about finding balance and perspective.
Background
I had not seen two close friends in several months. In fact, I hadn’t seen them since Dark Lord Day: Vikings, Jedi, and Beer, Oh My! nearly 8 months ago. This is far too long.
After a relatively low-key, yet unforgettable evening, I admit: I miss these types of outings. From the camaraderie and familiarity with the unaccustomed and unsurprising, these are the moments that provide balance and meaning.
While earning passive income and focusing relentlessly on personal development are key focus areas for me, sometimes remembering the “so what?” question is the most important.
Without close friends and family, so many other things seem trivial.
Thursday’s Crush is Friday Night’s Rush
While partially planned, this Friday night kicked off the weekend with a quick 40-minute train ride to my friend’s house. After being greeted in a state-of-the-art 2015 Kia minivan, we ventured to THE original location of a Chicago-land pizza legend.
A couple of beers and a great pie (that’s pizza-speak) later, we made it back to my friend’s house. With another beer or two, we just chilled and talked. I needed to unwind.
After making the last train back to the city with a couple of minutes to spare, I had a fun quarter-mile sprint home.
Why? It’s apparently what I do when I’m in a certain…state or condition. That said, it was also just brutally cold and snowing this weekend in Chi-town.
Saturday Post-Handjee Hangout Hangover
And then I remembered: I’m 34 – not 24. This conquered me:
While not pushing it too hard or fast the night before, I also found myself severely dehydrated.
I boiled water and ate pasta at 9:00 AM for breakfast before going back to bed for a little bit. Amazing.
Things Get Harry with Harry and Step Brothers
A member of the cul-de-sac street hockey team is getting married. We celebrated with a bachelor party on Saturday. Enough said, right?
Keeping things quick (and clean), let’s just say we had a great time. A little D-Wade, some brews, and hipster-inspired shuffleboard.
Overall, I was home by 11:30 last night and completely fine with that – starting at 1:30 in the afternoon, or 10 hours, is a good amount of time for shenanigans with the old crew.
Old Enough to Know and Young Enough to Live Again
Is there an age that comes to mind? I don’t know.
I’m still trying to figure today and the last few months out.
Regardless, you can’t change the past so why bother – let alone think about – trying.
And that’s why I then went to one of my happy places today.
Looking Back (Not Fully this Time) – and More Importantly – Ahead
I had a lot of fun this weekend. Today, in particular, also brought one really difficult decision. Overall, a lot of ups to try to balance a big down.
But that’s what it’s about: finding your balance and doing your best to be happy and keep the dividends coming as you try to move forward.
Readers, what’s on your mind? Do you take an occasional detour to help yourself get back and/or stay on course?
Related:
15 Years Later: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner
DEFENSE Wins Championships: Insurance
Post-Fat Kid Circle of Self-Circumvention
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Sounds like a very fun and interesting weekend. On balance, looks like a little R&R paid a few dividends. (Yep, puns intended, you can bank on it.) Finances are fine, but mean nothing without a little fun along the way, to coin a phrase. Okay, I’m done.
Fun with puns! Well done!
I definitely believe you need a few detours here and there Mike, both to keep things interesting, and to keep things in perspective – it’s easy to wish life was different sometimes / you were young again, but I find those little detours help remind me of what I appreciate about the ‘straight and narrow’.
Cheers, Frankie
Thanks for the comments Frankie – good point. A detour is very helpful. – Mike