In the Pursuit of Wisdom

This week I turned thirty-three.  I'm pleased about it.  It is an appealing age for me mostly because I like the roundness and symmetry of the number.  I feel content with where I am in my life and as Grandma said, maybe I finally have a little sense.

Last night a high school friend sent some pictures out from our middle school and high school days.  We looked so young.  This was my crew circa 1991:

I unfortunately forget the particular event - it very well could have been my fourteenth birthday.  I look back at us and wonder about what we knew.  What did we know about what our lives had in store for us? We certainly look like we knew a thing or two about friends, fun, and causing innocent trouble.  But really, what did we know?

Another party, this one probably a few years later and perhaps another birthday party:

Still looks like fun, although perhaps a little less innocent.  And really, nobody thought to tell me about hair product? Really?  Perhaps after my Pat Riley phase in the sixth grade (no pictures available, sorry!), everyone thought I was better off going cold turkey.  Or at least they were waiting for me to go through a 12 step program and apologize for my past sins.  Believe me, there were many, at least in the haircuts department!

And the end of high school, June 1995: 

 

Going to college was certainly a significant life-changing transformation.  Or a series of them.  I learned a little more, but even then, what did I really know?

Fifteen years later, I certainly feel like I have more sense then back in high school - god, how cruel would the world be to have it be otherwise? - but really, what do I know?  I suppose, based on my recent birthday festivities, you could say that I know something about friends, fun, and causing trouble.  And I still like to throw a party.  And I still act more mature than my father - even if only just! 

Maybe next year I will find the wisdom and sense I seek ... or at least enough of it to confiscate cameras from the parties.