Sunday, February 8, 2009

Driving With The Top Down

Earlier this week while driving home from work on 66, I saw a guy that looked like Drew Carey driving next to me with his top down. It was 32 and getting ready to rain, sleet and snow.

I laughed out loud. Man, did I need a hearty chuckle. I haven't been inspired to write. I've been working waaay too hard and my body and my mind is feeling it. As hard it may be for people to understand––I even find it hard to deal with––I'm not 100% and really don't think I will ever be. It's like being an athlete and you realize you've reached the end of your "career." You either get told you're not making it to the next level or something happens and that's it. My body is telling me, "hey Man, this is it. Take care of it."

I'm doing that this week. Back to the stable of Doctors, getting checked to see if I'm still in remission, cancer free. Marcia says every time she has to back for her check-ups, she doesn't sleep very well. She told me about that voice in your head that says, "just think about the good stuff. It will be what it will be." I know exactly what she's talking about.

I laughed at the Drew Carey look-alike because it made me think that you should be able to enjoy life on your own terms. If YOU want to ride in the dead of winter with the top down on your convertible, go for it. Who ya hurtin', right? That 2 second visual of this man did wonders for me, made me realize that life is too short to work it away. Yes, times are tough and I'm very thankful to have a job. But at what price? How much time do I have to spend away from my Wife every day? When people die, do you ever hear anyone start of by saying, "that Manny, he sure was a hard worker"? Hell no! (And no, I don't mean Manny Ramirez, Scott Boras.)

I want to live each day with a smile on face and in my heart. I want people to see me and have a laugh, feel better for having talked to me and accept me for who I am and not for what I can do for them. I just want to be myself.

Like the guy driving with top down in 32 degree weather.