I've come to the conclusion that I'm getting older. I know that this is hardly a revelation but it is still a very strange feeling. It doesn't occur to me all of the time that I am now 30 years of age. Just every so often something happens, whether I'm responsible for it or not and my reaction is a definite giveaway that the 20 year old me would have said or done.
Here's some examples of these signs of getting old and how I've reacted:
1. University Freshers getting younger
I work at the University of Leeds and have done since I was 18. As you can see when I started the Freshers (or 1st year students, whichever you prefer) were from the same school year as me. I felt pretty young and could relate to them (an important part of my previous customer facing role).
Slowly though, over the years the new intake of students seem to look younger. Then you realise that you're a year older than last time.
2. Criticise younger peoples outfits
As a 20 year old who liked drink, nightclubbing and designer clothes I ventured out just wearing trousers/jeans and a shirt. Taking a jacket with me was just too much hassle as it a) could have got pinched or b) left somewhere when I was trolleyed. Didn't need a jacket anyway as I always had the classic 'beer jacket' with me.
On the few times that I make it out on a evening/night these days, I seem to take note of the attire of the other revellers and then start 'finding fault' with it (not before I've admired the females of course - admiring women never alters as you get old!). The faults usually have a common theme of not providing enough cover in the colder temperatures. In the case of the females the criticism of encouraging admirers and in turn possible trouble does occur as well.
3. Having no idea of fashion
Check out this previous blog post which covers this one.
4. Comfy footwear rather than fashionable
The last few pairs of trainers/shoes that have been bought, top of the agenda has been whether they are comfortable rather than whether they are what everyone else is wearing. A definite change in the thought process from when I bought my Nike Air Max trainers as a teenager (before they became the attire of a chav!).
5. The Love of Real Ales
A big winner in the choice of a pub or drinking establishment with me is the offering of hand pulled Real Ale. It has become one of my favourite past times these days discovering different offerings from a wide range of breweries. Hardly any lager passes my lips these days and nor do those god forsaken alcopop drinks which come in a variety of colours.
At home, my drinks fridge consists mainly of bottled Real Ales and bottles of White Wine (the common ground in mine and Mrs. S's drink tastes). Space is no longer required for those 3 for £20 deals on Stella Arsetois from the supermarket.
6. The dread of a Hangover
This is the biggest change that's taken place. I would have thought nothing of getting absolutely legless on a Friday and Saturday night and then spending alot of Sunday in bed or asleep on the sofa. After all, that's what weekends are for aren't they?
The last memorable hangover, by which I mean full blown nausea and feeling utterly crap, seemed to last nearly 48 hours. I took it as a sign that I was getting old and couldn't do the bigger drinking sessions anymore (yes I know I sound old before my time!).
Nowadays, the sensible me doesn't drink half as much as he used to and watches what he drinks. I still can get a headache the next day. For this there is a huge stash of Nurofen in the bathroom cabinet.
7. Sounding like my Parents
Everyone will know what I mean by this one. When you make a statement or say something, then immediately after it dawns on you that your mum or dad would say that. In my case it's swiftly followed by a shudder and telling myself off. It still doesn't deter me from doing again though!
8. Passport Renewal
In the past year I've had to renew my passport as it was getting out of date. As it was my first one, I can remember the reason why I applied for it. I attended a number of the European Away Legs with Leeds United and it was required to allow that travel. Can't believe it's 10 years since I went to the AS Roma game (the first game which followed the successful application of the passport),
9. Remembering an old record
On New Years Eve, I listened to parts of the 'Top Selling Singles of the Decade' show which Nihal presented on Radio 1. I was taken aback when he announced that the 'Baha Men - Who Let The Dogs Out' was released in 2000. I can still remember my younger brother playing it over and over again as if it were yesterday (don't worry, his taste has improved significantly since then!).
10. Changes in Radio Listening
Ever since I was a teenager I've listened to radio, probably even more so as I've got older. Whilst doing jobs at home, it is more or less on all the time. My current radio taste is of BBC 6Music as I'm really into discovering new bands before they get too big and commercial. I also dip into BBC 5Live now and again, mainly for the sports and football programming but also for the odd political topic. A far cry from flicking between the various Commercial stations available in Yorkshire on my journey into Leeds on a morning, catching Foxy and Tom (Viking FM), Hirsty, Danny and Jo Jo (Galaxy) before taking in one Simon Logans famous 'wind-ups' (Radio Aire). These all made for a good journey into work at the funny material broadcast at the time (maybe this would be worth a blog entry on its own?).
These make me wonder what changes are ahead in the future and how I will cope with the next stage of 'getting old'. An interesting and very worrying prospect.
Why don't you share some of your own signs of getting old? Even if to show that mine are really crap!
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