Aug 17, 2012 21:21
Yesterday I was at the hardware store to get parts for one of my myriad projects. As I was standing in line to check-out I saw a college-aged girl walk in the front door, look right at me, and smile like she recognized me. She held the gaze long enough that I was certain it was me at whom she was looking, so I waved (as that is what one does when an acquaintance is met in a public forum). As I racked my brain trying to figure out who this girl was and how I might know her she walked right up to me, introduced herself, and pointed at my shirt.
When I was in high school I competed in gymnastics, and when I went to college I joined the gymnastics club in order to keep my skills up. I still have one of the club shirts, and I wear it occasionally to work-out or while doing yard work. It says simply "Texas A&M Gymnastics" in large letters. It was to this shirt that she had gestured.
The young lady informed me that she was a member of the club, and then she (innocently enough) asked if I had a son or daughter in the club. I laughed and was about to explain that I wasn't THAT old, but I paused long enough to do some quick math in my head. If I had been a father at the age of twenty (entirely conceivable, pun intended) my child would be just old enough to be starting college this semester.
Right now I don't know what's worse: the assumption of age or that the assumption of age is exactly right. I don't normally concern myself with my age, but when the math is staring you right in the face it's kind of hard to deny it.
Damn, I feel old today.