On Nesting and Steam Vacs

Roland Dodds

Roland Dodds is an educator, researcher and father who writes about politics, culture and education. He spent his formative years in radical left wing politics, but now prefers the company of contrarians of all political stripes (assuming they aren't teetotalers). He is a regular inactive at Harry's Place and Ordinary Times.

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22 Responses

  1. Oscar Gordon says:

    Hardwood floors and leather furniture are your friend in this.Report

  2. Damon says:

    Yeah, you’re getting old.

    So what? My girlfiend, who’s 41 was accused of getting old when she didn’t want to stay up past midnight with some of her friends. I laughed since I’m usually in bed, on the weekend, by 10pm.

    But after a few decades you stop caring what other people think you should be doing….and kids do age you and drain your free time…you adjust.Report

    • Roland Dodds in reply to Damon says:

      Agreed. I hoped to preface this in the “so what?” category as I noted it wasn’t the kind of essay I expected to be writing, but here we are.

      Adjustment is the place I find myself.Report

      • Damon in reply to Roland Dodds says:

        🙂 Enjoy your kids. They apparently grow up fast.

        People often discount the value of “doing nothing”. There is something recharging in not doing anything. It’s not as good as hiking to the top of Angle’s Landing, but it’s also cheaper. And idleness can be refreshing and recharging.Report

        • Roland Dodds in reply to Damon says:

          @damon Yep, at this point, our adventures during the weekend revolve around going to the park or the beach and then cooking a nice meal at home while watching dumb movies. I can’t tell you how nice it is after working 10-12 hours a day and commuting in the Bay Area.

          It also makes me very thankful to be in Sonoma County. It’s a beautiful place with many spots to bring young ones (while also grabbing a beer). I am thankful for that.Report

  3. Doctor Jay says:

    It’s not your age that’s changed you, it’s the three-year-old.Report

  4. fillyjonk says:

    I don’t have any children but I think I was *born* middle-aged. I haven’t voluntarily stayed up past 11 pm in….gosh, more than 15 years now.

    I own a steam vac but haven’t used it in a long time because it’s kind of effortful to get out and set up and it just seems easier to fill a bucket with hot water and soap and get down on my hands and knees and scrub.Report

  5. Chip Daniels says:

    I am on the other side of this arc.
    We became empty nesters when Kim’s daughter moved away to college, and combined with the recent move to the city, we are enjoying, savoring really, our progression into middle age.

    Its common to hear people focus on what is lost as we age, but not as common is to hear what we gain. When I think back to my younger self, I see vitality and wonder but also ignorance and insecurity.

    I brought my son, who is now 26, to intern with me at work. As much as I miss that little boy he used to be, its a special delight to work side by side with the fine young man he has become.

    There is an art to life, I think, in finding the joy and fulfillment that comes along with each phase, savoring it while it lasts, then welcoming the next one.Report

  6. Kazzy says:

    Welcome to the club!

    I’m at the point where, if I actually make it to a bachelor party, I’m more excited for a quiet plane ride spent reading than all the debauchery.Report

  7. Middle-aged life is merry, and I love to lead it,
    But there comes a day when your eyes are all right but your arm
    isn’t long enough to hold the telephone book where you can read it,
    — Ogden NashReport

  8. LeeEsq says:

    Roland, do you also contribute to Harry’s Place?Report

    • Roland Dodds in reply to LeeEsq says:

      Hey @leeesq, I do. I also noticed a few weeks back that you comment there as well. OT is still my home for longer essays and exploring ideas, but HP has been a fun romp during this election.

      I can also attest to the quality of the OT comment section when compared to HP. We have something special here that I hope never goes away.Report