From keg parties to the grave
Something about the almost spring-like winds this week reminded me of high school keg parties in the various parks of Queens. Outside with your friends, drinking bad swill in red solo cups, talking about what you are going to do with you life . This caused me to ponder what if the 17 year old me met the 29 year old me. I am sure there would be some points of pride and some disappointments, as life really never turns out like you plan at 17. Well, fittingly, I got this in a an email from a friend this morning. I have been trying to put together a list like this for ages. I have certain things mulling about in my head, but now I think I will actually try to put pen to paper. Here is a couple off the top of my head:
- Visit the 12 States I have left, preferably on a motorcycle.
- Learn to surf well
- Love what I do for a living
- Meet my relatives who live in other countries
- Play one live gig in a manhattan club
I could go on (and I will for my use) in various categories like travel, experiences, learning etc. Now I pose it to you - what do you want to do before you die.
wow. now i’m thinking deep thoughts.
I was having this same thought process and I realize I achieved most of my dreams. I just hadn’t been as successful as I wanted to be.
I wanted to be a rock star- I played all over Manhattan in bands, including at CBGB’s. No record contract but I did it.
I wanted to write comics- I published three series and made just enough to keep going for two years. Marvel and DC politely refused my services but I know what that dream was like.
I got as many women as I needed. Missed a couple of opportunities and chased the wrong ones too many times but I have adequate memories to grow old on.
I wanted to do comedy- I did stand-up a few times and took improv and writing classes. Found out I could do it but I wasn’t crazy about the lifestyle. You have to spend a lot of time in clubs listeing to bad comics and I do not have the patience for that.
Now I just want a house. I’d love to leave advertising for comics again or animation or a sitcom but as I get older I find you take the opportunites as they come . You can’t spend your life bemoaning things you never had the chance to do.