Rewind

 

Last year was a jumble. Like millions of other people I was disheartened to watch our country’s leaders drag us back into the past, policies and executive actions that damaged the environment, held down the most needy of people and impeded scientific progress. At times I took action, learning about climate change, gun violence and researching ways to make a difference. But sometimes I turned inward taking my mind off the madness by focusing on things that made me happy–playing with my kid, watching TV, writing about sports and reading the novels of A Song of Ice and Fire. For me, for my family, 2017 was another year but it was definitely just another year.

We were apartment dwellers, always apartment dwellers. It felt safer, easier and more sensible for us. But last January, knowing kindergarten was right around the corner, we decided to house hunt. The madness of house shopping enveloped my life and, while I’m thrilled that we found a place after two months, it’s not an experience I’m excited to do again. The silver lining? I learned so much about money, mortgages and making compromises all while being reminded just how well my wife and I work together. I spent the first half of 2017 trying to buy and move into a house; I spent the latter half figuring out how to take care of the thing. Thanks to helpful parents, in-laws, DIY books and the internet my wife and I are starting to sort it all out.

I took my daughter to her first day of school. Like, real school. Kindergarten. It was an emotional experience rivaled only by the day she was born and the first day I had to leave her to go back to work. I’m not an emotional person but I felt it that day. She has this whole life without us now–I love it and I hate it. Time flies, ya’ll.

Winter came and with it came some reflection. Things are changing and I’m spending what little free time I have trying to figure out how to change with it. What makes me happy? How do I balance taking time for myself with the needs of my family? And how hard should I push myself to advance my career, explore my interests and learn about the world? I’ll start looking forward soon enough but it’s good to rewind once in a while.

 

-Niral
misterniral@gmail.com