What a difference a year makes...

Your everlasting summer
You can see it fading fast
So you grab a piece of something
That you think is gonna last
You wouldnt know a diamond
If you held it in your hand
The things you think are precious
I cant understand

Chorus:
Are you reelin in the years
Stowin away the time
Are you gatherin up the tears
Have you had enough of mine

You been tellin me youre a genius
Since you were seventeen
In all the time Ive known you
I still dont know what you mean
The weekend at the college
Didnt turn out like you planned
The things that pass for knowledge
I cant understand

Chorus

I spend a lot of money
And I spent a lot of time
The trip we made in hollywood
Is etched upon my mind
After all the things weve done and seen
You find another man
The things you think are useless
I cant understand

Chorus

"Reelin in the Years" - Steely Dan


Well, it's official. The 2nd decade of my life is in the books, and the one blaring difference is how different October 4, 2006 was from October 4, 2005. Things didn't go exactly to plan as usual, but one thing that I have picked up over the past year is that when you make plans or have expectations, you're setting yourself up to be disappointed.

In case you don't want to rehash the past, last year I was dumped by someone that I truly thought the world of and was making strides to change to make her happy. When I thought I was getting a gift from her, she sent me the watch I left at her place instead. Still bitter? Yeah, a little. I imagine there will always be a part of me pissed of at her, just as I still hold grudges about a few choice points in my life.

The difference this year is that I got an unexpected delivery - this time flowers. You can only imagine the surprise on my face as the delivery woman handed them to me at the front door. With a note apologizing for not being able to complete our planned visit. It's truly amazing what lessons you learn from your past so that you will be prepared for what is forthcoming. There are some things that I regret, but who out there doesn't have a regret or two? I just wish that there were some lessons you could learn without going through the motions and the hurt involved with it.

Well, as my late grandmother always told me, "Ain't no sense like bought sense." That one still holds true, and always will. Age doesn't matter on that one.

Anyway, the 30's have started... let me say thanks to everyone that sent me voicemails, text pages, etc. yesterday. To the sender of those beautful flowers... the best if yet to come for us - you've made me look forward to October 4th again. I just hope I can reciprocate in 2 months and 5 days...