Big Q Tip – Staying Grounded

Hey gang! Time for another Big Q Tip.

I’ve been in Central Texas now for just over 10 years.  For those of you who don’t know, I’m originally from North Dakota.  That’s where I was raised so that’s where most of my friends and family are.  I didn’t realize it at the time but, when I moved down here, I lost by base of reference.  I find that a base is needed to keep you grounded in time and reality.  I’m not saying I’m delusional, although some might agree with that, I’m just saying that my concept of time is off kilter.

I don’t feel 10 years older from when I left, but every once and awhile I get does of “time”.  Especially around Christmas when I start getting cards from everyone, and there’s kids that were tiny who are now going off to college. Or, there’s kids in the photo who were not even born when I left.  Look at this photo.  These are my grandmother's great grandchildren.  I’ve met 3 of them.  Only 2 were alive when I moved down here.

The culture shock was beginning to get to me so I found this photo to remind me that I have aged.  That time continues to move forward even though I still go to the same job, and come home to same apartment.  This is a family photo that was taken a few months before I joined the Army.  My little brother now has a family.  His little girl is one of the kids in the photo.  And I’m now older than my parents were when this photo was taken.  It’s a slap of reality every time I look at it.

The Big Q Tip;  Keep grounded, whether with photo’s or real people.  You don’t want to slip into the “Beyond” section of Bed,Bath, and Beyond.