i sat here thinking a few minutes ago that i don’t have much to write about, but that i should come up with something anyway so i don’t slack off for too long. then somehow that got me reflecting on my life as it stands today; and i’m completely wrong about having nothing to say. this moment of idle consideration has caused me to realize, just now, that this year has seen more changes in my life than probably any of the last five.

i’m more consistently considerate of my own body now than ever before and i’d like to think it shows. for reasons too varied to really explain efficiently, i suddenly follow with consistent enthusiasm things i before had almost no interest in — liberal politics and the chicago cubs. i am going on the 10th month of the first streak in my life without cable television, and except for a craving here and there, i prefer it that way. i am reading more ravenously than ever and trying harder to really get something out of it. i’m probably a single raise away from being comfortably self-sustaining. i have friends in several far-off major U.S cities. i have a girlfriend who is also a young professional and have no problem staying a night with her and leaving for work in the morning. we do culturally enriching things together but also appreciate time alone. i currently have wine chilling in my refrigerator. and as of this current tax year, i am no one’s dependent.

apparently, at some point, i became a grown up. while the point in time at which this transition occurred may elude me, the fact remains it has happened. some might be scared, but being far from knocking on death’s door, i choose instead to be excited. i think it may end up being more fun than being a kid was anyway — when i it comes down to it, i didn’t have nearly as many friends or freedoms as an unhappy 12 year old.

besides, i may not have cable but still watch cartoons when i get a chance. i may be into politics but i’m still more into rock concerts. i may have a girlfriend but i wouldn’t let that keep me from playing video games. the wine in my refrigerator is accompanied almost solely by frozen pizzas. and as ravenously as i will ever consume literature, it will likely always include a safe portion of comics.

so can a person be a grown-up child, in a way? as in, a healthy, well-adjusted, socially acceptable and functional way? i’m of the opinion that this is really the only way to go. it should be the new ideal. if you cannot be a philosopher-king, perhaps you can settle for being an adult-youth? a responsible-upstart? a practical epicurean? a thoughtful reveler?

it could be time to write a philosophy text here, so i had better leave the topic for further deliberation. you might be wise to flee before i start asking for converts.