boating?

I often think about how my life has changed; it makes me smile. I also think about how my desires have changed. It’s amusing to chat with my boys, who are clearly in a different station of life than me. I must be careful not to jade them—it’s difficult to discuss the findings of my life without robbing them of their macro-romantic predilections, (which I feel are only natural for people looking to build a family). 

Conversely, I sometimes look around at my contemporaries, and am surprised to find some of these same predilections still deeply entrenched. Why would you be looking for the traits that would indicate a good mother when you have zero interest in more children? Is the person you chose to raise a family with the same that you want to retire with? Sure, for some, the answer is yes, absolutely. Lucky them! I think they probably made their life adjustments together and I think that is a fine thing. I do not, however, condemn those that changed boats, midstream, on the river of life. While it may not be noble, I suppose, living with the alternative, (being miserable), seems yucky. If someone finds themselves without a canoe, why would they seek out another, just like the last one, when there are speed boats, and fishing boats, and windsurfers all available? If you wanted a canoe for the first half of your life, would you necessarily want another one for the second half?

  

It’s funny, a speedboat can be a high-maintenance thing, so I encourage the boys to pick out a good canoe—it’s easier to push off from the shore. There's no rush...enjoy the boat show.