You know you are old when....

So recently I had a moment when I realized I am getting old. No...it wasn't when I was called ma'am at Publix. It was more subtle.

I saw my dad tonight and I thought....I bet he was cool at one time. Not that I don't think he is the coolest dad ever! I mean my parents have always been there for me in a super cool way. And I have heard my dad's West Georgia stories of how his best friend was growing pot in a windowsill. But he "never" smoked pot. Uh...right. I know he was cool.

Tonight I saw him in a different light. They (whoever they are) say that when you have kids, things are put into perspective. I don't have kids....I mean Jeremie has Sophie and I guess that's enough. I care about her so much, I'm starting to see how everything I say and do is molding this little girl (hopefully) into the perfect person.

Tonight as I watched my dad, I thought he has provided for his family and he has done a great job. I'm proud of my dad, does that EVER happen? The answer, my friends, is not enough. I'm always still amazed at the way he cares about me and asks me "How are you doing on your medication?" "Fine Pa..." I respond. It's nice to have someone remember that I have a chronic disease and ask in a noninvasive way, 'Are you okay?'

Listen, dry your eyes and focus:
Back to my topic....'You know you are old when...'
1. If you are at a red light and you don't take off and hit the gas when the light turns green. What's the point? And...what's your hurry????
2. If the kid you babysat is now married and pregnant with her 3rd child.
3. If your best friend is dating someone half their age and isn't breaking any laws.
4. If you tell your loud college neighbors to keep it down. No drums past 10:00 p.m. please.
5. If you have ever used the phrase "Back in my day...."
6. If you hear "Cat's in the cradle" or "Time in a Bottle" and you tear up.
7. If you consider coffee one of the most important things in life.
8. If your favorite pastime is playing scrabble. On Facebook.
9. If you are sore when you wake up.
10. If you have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
11. If you think your parents were cool at one time (past tense) and you have glimpses of them being cool "at times."
12. If you talk about "good grass" and you are referring to the neighbor's lawn.
13. If you answer a question with "Because I said so."
14. If people call you at 10:00p.m. and ask "I didn't wake you, did I?" see #4.
15. If you clip coupons.

So if you are old and you know it, clap your hands. Unless that hurts...then don't.