Generational Gap

I think I have realized I am no longer in my 20's!! And I am quickly closing out on my 30's too!!

Last night I was at a friends place as her youngest daughter celebrated her sweet 16th birthday. There was a moment or two or three during the span of the evening that I realized I am getting older. The first moment was when the 5 young girls were all gathered in the living room to open gifts. They were giggling and shrieking over the oddest things. One of the girls would say something that to myself and my friend meant nothing but to them it was hilarious as they giggled with glee. I have to admit it was interesting to watch them; it was kind of like watching a new species of sorts. I observed how they interacted with each other, how they supported and comforted each other, how they made sure that not one hair on any of their heads was out of place, that they wore the oh so perfect outfit and the must have accessories to match. They appeared to not have one single care in the world. I guess with school out it is much easier to live carefree at least for the summer. They giggled about boys, about gifts that were given and even giggled about the gift bag that gift was brought in. (I didn't understand that one at all!)

As the girls stayed gathered in the living my friend and I were in the kitchen. I watched her do her motherly household clean up things before we settled down for a quick game of scrabble. Because you know that is what we 'older' ladies do....we play scrabble! We don't seem to giggle much anymore, the thought of boys doesn't make are faces blush red like it use to. We are careful with the words we choose to say to each other making sure no offense is offered or taken....there doesn't seem to be carefree words spoken much and when it does happen we need to clarify the understanding it was spoken in.

Now we did have times of laughter as we struggled to find words to spell. Do you have any idea how hard it is to play when the first word on the board is JOB!! I say the 'J' cuts off that part of the board from ever being expanded on!!!

At the movie theatre we made sure they didn't sit by us (I am sure you will understand why) and again they did things differently then people my age. Some were giggling (they do that ALOT), some were listening to their iPod even in the company of friends AND were able to engage in the conversation while listening to the iPod. Sometimes when chatting with my friends I wonder if I heard every thing they said never mind multi tasking!

It was an interesting evening to say the least. I think I uttered a few times I wish I was young again (also uttered I am getting old!), but I know for sure I don't want to be younger then 25 in today's world. It is not nice out there anymore. Jobs are not easy to come by, school and post secondary school is more important then ever before. The price of school is out of this world and it takes way too long to pay back the student loans before you get to enjoy the occupation you chose to be in.

See I don’t have children to watch as they go through life but I am grateful that God has allowed me to peak into my friends lives as they raise their children.