I am healthier now than have been in the last 15 or so years (while embarrassing that I let myself get to the point I was at, I'm proud I've made it most of the way back). My health was not a major concern of mine, even after putting on all the weight and becoming slug-like sedentary. I do not think it was all laziness (tho I think that was a huge part of it), I think I had some mindset that I could always just bounce back (oddly enough, I was kinda right...hmmm). I am lucky that I found Crossfit, that I have found a diet that is working for me and that I have found the people at that Crossfit gym that keep me motivated and coming back for more. I am lucky I finally got my head out of my arse.
I am getting a second chance at school. Let me just tell you that I did not apply myself at all in high school or college. I went to class in high school, but I did not give a damn about the material or doing the homework. I went because I was supposed to go (and lets face it, daytime tv isn't worth staying home for). Going to college was much of the same. It was the next step in my life, I did not go because I wanted to advance my life or gain much needed knowledge (tho I did learn that if one of your roommates pees on your answering machine, he probably won't care or remember it). That is completely different this time around (paying for it out of your own pocket can do that to you). I am actually enjoying my classes and I am surprised that I am pretty good at math, I have no idea where that came from. While my stats class can make me go cross eyed at times, it is rewarding when I figure a problem out. Again I am so lucky I was able to dislodge my cranium from my behind.
My friends are some of the most amazing people in the world. I lost contact with two dear friends during my marriage and even tho they had absolutely no reason to pick up the phone when I called, they did (hey what's seven years between friends, right?). Clearly I was lucky that they had huge hearts and short memories (kind of like my kids when I tell them to do something). They have been a major reason I have been able to rebound after my divorce.
I typically split my friends into two groups, neighborhood friends and college friends (tho I definitely have a third group...yep, Crossfit friends). My neighborhood friends have brought me such unforgettable memories like the game of Red Butt, naked snow angels, countless (ok, I could probably count them if I tried) concerts and a boatload of bonfires. I will never forget those memories (and a lot more not fit to print) and I am lucky that I am still close with almost all of those guys. I know that is not a normal thing, but I am lucky to not only realize that, but embrace it.
My college friends (good lord help us all) have given me memories that still make me bust out in laughter at times. I am positive people have caught me laughing and are worried I have some serious issues (quiet you). I havee seen a friend talk himself out of throwing a beer stein through a window, I saw an NFL player and Road Rules cast member crash one of our townhouse parties, I saw a roommate try to steal underwear (don't ask) and, like my neighborhood friends, a lot more not fit to print (call me and I'll give you all the dirt).
I also married one of those college friends, and while it did not work out, I learned a lot about relationships (mainly what I needed to improve and what I want for my next relationship), but mainly I got the two cutest children in the history of time (I've done surveys, don't try to dispute my findings).
I'm the luckiest father in the world. Even when my daughter insists on drinking bath water (I think she needs an intervention), or when she decides at 1 am that she is up for the day (do they make Ambien for kids yet?), I know it is all worth it. Her laugh is infectious, raspy, and absolutely perfect. She is only three years old, but she has a drive that I know she did not get from me. She will not be stopped and she does not want help. The girl has confidence. When I asked her what she was for Halloween her response was "adorable" (you can't make that up, I'm not that good of a writer). I have no doubt she will succeed in life (even if she cuts mine short).
My son, the one who could play the whiny Caillou, is so intelligent. I will hear him explaining something to his sister and it is like I am listening to an adult. I went to his parent-teacher conference the other day and I could have just burst with pride (I also had a lot of water before, so it could have been pee). He loves baseball, and as I have written before, baseball is a passion of mine. I got to coach him this year and every time, no joke, every time he got a hit I could feel my emotions well up inside me. He does his homework without prompting (remember I didn't do mine). He loves math (whose kid is this?). He is a great person.
While I have not hit Powerball, yet (can't jinx myself like Linus with the Great Pumpkin), I have really hit the jackpot with so many other aspects of my life.
So, yes Clint, I do feel lucky.
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