Reflections from an Old Man

The title might lead you to believe this entry is being written by a guest.

Nope. I am that old man.

I discovered this fact during the last several days of Thanksgiving celebrations in Des Moines with Michelle's extended family. Here are the top six symptoms used to diagnose myself as an old man.

1. Bowling leaves you breathless and sore. Bowling is not an aerobic activity, at least it's not suppose to be. But bowling Friday night left me with a sore left knee (from planting my left foot before bending over and letting loose of the ball) and tired.
2. Your pants are tight BEFORE you eat the big Thanksgiving meal. I was already looking for a new belthole 30 minutes before pumpkin pie began gliding down the back of my tongue. I was well-behaved with my eating all weekend, yet still felt continuously stuffed into my clothes.
3. Hanging out with the parents is easier than hanging out with the cousins. Michelle's uncles and aunts are in their 50's. Her cousins range from early 20's to late 30'. The younger cousins are fun and full of energy. We related well to the uncles and aunts.
4. The van turns into a pumpkin at midnight. Enough said.
5. Gray hairs. I've had a little gray in my temples for a few years. Now I'm getting a few grays on top. No big deal really, just a sign of things to come.
6. The day-after effects of touch football feels like the equivalent of having suited up for the Chicago Bears