The Other Table

Today was running normally enough. The morning routine went without interruption – wake up, breakfast, drive to work, work work work work, then go to lunch. But at lunch, I was yanked rather rudely out of my routine. It threw me off-track for the rest of the day. I think I will still be stuck on them tomorrow also. Dammit.

There were four young people at a table down the aisle from me, and for some reason I was drawn to staring at them most of the time I sat there. They were oblivious to me, they probably wouldn’t have noticed me unless I jumped up on their table and yelled at them. Well, all except one girl. She glanced at me a time or two. I think she just liked the attention.

At first I was upset at them. They were laughing and talking the whole time. They didn’t order a standard lunch, they just had a couple of platters of appetizers to share amongst themselves. I was upset about the lack of order. I was upset about the noise. Then it hit me – I was really upset about them because I realized that I was no longer like them. I used to have friends like that. I used to enjoy myself when going out with them. I saw a few colleagues of mine at another table, and they looked just like they do at the office, and probably just like I look myself. The co-workers looked stressed, aged, and underneath it all, an aura of sadness. The “kids” looked upbeat and happy, they were enjoying themselves; underneath it all, they had an aura of happiness. I was suddenly jealous.

Although I realized what I was feeling, I couldn’t help watching. Maybe I was punishing myself or something, I don’t know. I’m in my early 40′s, and I know it shows. However, that one girl that saw me watching, she was probably 20. She probably caught me watching 3 or 4 times. She didn’t seem to say anything to her friends, but I know she knew I was spying on them. A couple times, she gave me a quick wink, probably just to say hi. (I hope) They didn’t appear to be couples, just some friends. It’s not like I just intercepted a wink meant for someone at her table. Like I said, I’m old and I look it. She wasn’t leading me on or anything. From their talk that could be overheard, she seemed to be quite intelligent. I just hope she could read what was happening here.

This may seem like a long message about me bitching about getting older and having to work too much. It’s not, don’t let my bad attitude distract you. It’s a wake up call to me. Telling me to break out of my shell. Get it together and remember what it’s like to have a life.

This is also a message to you young people. To those “darn kids” who dare to enjoy themselves. Those who like to hang out with friends, just getting together for lunch. THANK YOU. Also… That person you see sitting in the corner of the restaurant isn’t just some pervert stalking you. Maybe that is me. Just ignore them. Maybe say hi. Maybe you will help make their day. Maybe you will help prevent them from being a bitter, mean, mad old fogie. Maybe you can help them realize that life is there to be lived and enjoyed. You don’t have to “DO” anything to help. Just be yourself. Just do what you’re doing. Thanks again.

In conclusion. Get out and enjoy life. Break out of your shell. Do something. Don’t let your job become your life. Become your younger self again – and you will thank yourself for it.

Things to think about to help you on the road of life:

1. Think Outside The Box
2. “Your Place In Life” remains to be seen
3. Do what works best for you, your family, and your friends – not “them”
4. Question Authority
5. Ask “WHY”
6. Getting old sucks – enjoy your youth.
7. Experience makes great stories years later

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