The right side of 25

By: 
Robert Maharry

I’m taking a break from politics and world events this week to focus on something that everyone does, and no one is ever quite sure how to handle: aging. That’s right, this Saturday, April 29, I turn 26 years old, and as far as I know, there are only three more birthday milestones I can hit: my golden birthday in three years, being able to run for Senate in four years and running for president once I turn 35.
           
Each birthday brings reflection, and this one more than most: I’ve had to grow up a lot in the last year. I’ve had to face down the person I used to be, give up some of the bad habits I’d grown too comfortable with and decide once and for all that I was ready to be an adult.
           
Of course, some thanks are in order, as very few people (and especially not myself, for crying out loud) can get anywhere in life on their own: to Kellie, I owe you the most and I don’t even know where to begin, to Wyllo, to my mom, to my dad, to my sister, to all of my extended family, to everyone who’s been a part of my life in one way or another and to all of those who read the Register and hate or love what I write. I love you all, but especially the first five people I listed.
           
I’m never quite sure what to ask for on my birthday because I’ve always felt that having a few close friends and a family that loves you is enough, and because I’m just a boring person in general (wait, I didn’t say that). I felt especially lucky over the weekend to watch and perform with the Tuesday Musical Club, along with fellow Front Porch Gang member Nile Dielschneider, and the group itself is an amazing testament to some of the wonders of small town living.
           
Almost 100 years later, the group of singing women is still going strong and coming up with new material each year, and though they didn’t need Nile and I and would have done fine without us, we sure are glad that they invited us. I also need to shout out your friendly county recorder Travis Case, who ran sound for the show, Denise Landt, who directed it, and Jackie Stevens, who ran the lights. Most of the credit, however, goes to the women involved, as they’re the ones who practice weekly from October to April so they can perform for a crowd at the auditorium, and they always amaze me with the variety of their selections.
 
From a personal standpoint, my favorites this year were “Music! Music! Music,” “Wagon Wheel,” “Let It Go,” “Mr. Sandman,” and “Forever Polyester,” but every song was great. I still catch myself singing along to them at random times during the day, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
 
I probably won’t do much to celebrate my birthday, but I’m looking forward to spending it with my family doing what we love to do the most: riding bikes around the block, jumping on the trampoline (if the weather allows) and watching Netflix documentaries and shows. I wouldn’t have the energy to organize a big party or go to a bar, and there wouldn’t be much point after 25 anyway. For the first time in my life, I’m not afraid of getting old and boring anymore: I’m embracing it.
 
In the meantime, I’ll anxiously wait for my next birthday, but I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll have more bills than cards full of cash coming in the mail. The best quote I saw this week came from a student who filled out a senior spotlight survey, and it stuck with me: “If you think no one cares about you, try missing a car payment.” 

The Grundy Register

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Grundy Center, IA 50638
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