What's my age again?

I was already plotting a post about age this past week--and officiating little kids' basketball games this weekend strengthened the desire to put something down.

"Grow up."
"Act your age." --just a couple things people often say (not to me; OK, sometimes to me). But why?

Don't mistake me, I get it. I understand the importance of learning from things as we get older, and putting that knowledge to use as the years go by. Whatever. But...it leads me to a few questions:

Why is maturity essentially synonymous losing one's sense of humor?
Why is maintaining a sense of humor synonymous with immaturity?

Why can't adults just relax and live life?

Tell jokes, laugh at yourself, have fun...enjoy life to the fullest. Corny cliche, but a necessary reminder, I think.

I've never understood why most people seem to hit a wall in life where they immediately become boorish and lacking in the heartfelt compassion that we possess by the truckload as children.

And don't feed me the load of bull about more responsibilities, bills, etc. That's hooey. If you think you're mature enough to live in responsible situations, be mature enough to roll with the punches and deal with whatever life throws at you.

While reffing several kids' basketball games this weekend, it hit me--adults suck. Half those kids were there because they love to play the game; half because they get to be around their friends. And while various parents lived and died with every call, their child would simply run the other way and shrug it off.

Only adults carry grudges--children are far too wise.

Opinion: Just because you know more stuff, it doesn't make you smarter.

"You're only as old as you feel," they say. Well...stop feeling so old, dummy. Do whatever it takes to feel young. Be a kid--even if just at heart.



Ironic thought: I've never heard a senior citizen complain about being old. Not once. All the 'I'm getting old' rants I hear are generally from people under 30 who don't know what being old even means.

"Respect your elders." - well that's just a given. Do it. Sir, ma'am, please, thanks, and so on. But you know what? Blaming a lack of respect on today's youth is pretty ignorant--and lazy, if you ask me. Do a better job of instilling respect as a parent, and you won't have to complain about it down the road. Simple as that.

Disclaimer: I am almost 25. I feel sore a lot after playing basketball--but I love it. I relish that sore feeling. Makes me feel like I've done something, accomplished something. And besides, better than not feeling anything at all, right?

Few more fun quotes about age...

"Every man over 40 is a scoundrel." - George Bernard Shaw

"None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm." - Henry David Thoreau

"A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age." - Robert Frost

Finally, I'll leave you with a clip of a commercial I've always loved, featuring perhaps the best soccer player in the world, Ronaldinho. I think it's brilliant.



Act whatever age sounds like fun,
Derrick

Who are you? Really...

Who are you?
What do you stand for?

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." - attributed to many, including US Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall, Alexander Hamilton, and the more recognizable Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Take your pick.

I stand for honorable and decent behavior towards all.
I stand up for the young and old, the big and small.
I stand when people ask if I believe in God.
I stand up for my friends, even when they're odd.

Who are you?
What are your standards?

"Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something." - Henry David Thoreau

This question is pretty broad--and a matter of perception.

When it comes to actions (specifically in a prospective girl): Don't smoke...don't talk like a sailor...don't talk to me about the Yankees--seriously, I find them reprehensible, and a strong representative of all that is soulless and wrong with not only sports, but society in general...don't use the word "busy" or say things like "FML"--ever...don't talk too much in general...don't be cocky or self-absorbed...don't be...well...a hoard of other things that you can ask me about later, but should already know if you know me at all...

When it comes to ethics: Treat people right, period. Should be all I need to say, but many people don't seem get it, so here's more: Open doors for girls, whether they're 2 or 92. Talk to strangers. I've never understood why people say not to--that's terrible advice! Be a courteous driver. Give things away--even when you can't afford to...Money. Clothes. Love. Organs. You laugh; I'm serious.

Who are you?
Who do you play for?

"Mike Eruzione--Winthrop, Massachusetts...I play for...the United States of America." - Mike Eruzione, played by actor Patrick O'Brien Demsey--"Miracle"

Okay, that was corny. But sports are a big part of my life, and it's effective.

I was a Kansas Wesleyan Coyote for the only "official" time I spent as a college basketball player.
But I will always be a Bulldog at heart...
I was a McPherson College Bulldog in my collegiate days that mattered most to me. I still miss it there every day.
I grew up a Pretty Prairie Bulldog. It's in my heart--it's embedded in me.

Who are you?
What do you represent?

"I'm a better person than I was yesterday, but not as good as I will be tomorrow." - Derrick Mead

Yes, I just quoted myself.

I'm a country boy--but not a hick.
I'm a basketball player--coach, too.
I'm a writer and a prankster.
I'm confident and shy at the same time.
I'm a serious listener and a funny talker.
I'm just dumb enough to be smart--or maybe the other way around.

I want people to know me, but not really.

It's the reason I changed my major in college.

I once wanted nothing more than to be a sports commentator--preferably baseball. From ages 8-20 I dreamed about one day calling moments like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBJ89V7A_3c

The names Kirk Gibson and Joe Carter will always give me goosebumps just at the mere sound of them.

But ultimately, I didn't want to be that widely seen--or heard. I want to be much more discreet, but inspirational at the same time. Like maybe becoming the most successful basketball coach at a school no one has ever heard of--something like that.

It's the reason I'm a friend to all, but a stranger to many.

I'll help anyone in need. Example: I spent almost 2 hours helping a lady who should've been killed after rolling her car several times a few months back at 3 AM.

Never told her my name, though.
That's just who I am.

So tell me...

Who are you?

Do the right thing,
Derrick