Signs of age

Went to the Holland Six Flags theme park this past Monday. Got there about an hour after it opened and was pleasantly surprised to see that not too many people were there and the weather was, while not outstanding, fairly decent (i.e. not raining). One small roller coaster ride and 2 "spinny" rides later, I was sitting on a bench trying to keep my breakfast down. What happened to the days when I could ride those things all day long and keep laughing? Surely I must be getting old.

I got an email from a college buddy of mine last week. The last time I heard from her was a couple of months previous and she was lamenting on her inability to find anyone interesting. Now she tells me she is getting married later this year. I was.. flabbergasted to be blunt, though incredibly happy for her. And it made me wonder: when, if ever, am I going to settle down?

Next Monday I start my new job at a web company here in Holland. I will be a junior developer, due to be assigned to a senior developer who will help guide and mentor me. I do hope I'm not too much trouble. I'm nervous and excited about the whole thing, but I wonder. I'm 27 years old and this is the 4th professional job (and 3rd career) that I've had since I graduated in 1996. Will I make it past the "junior" stage soon or will I find myself in my 30's, still trying to figure out just what it is I want to do with my life?

And last but not least, I've been studying a book on driving theory so that I can hopefully pass the exam here and get my Dutch driver's license. Ah, to learn how to drive all over again. It's not too different, really. Just a few new rules, but slugging through the Dutch is proving to be a bit of a challenge. :)

Wish me luck! New job, gotta take a test to get my license... boy do I hope I pass. On both accounts. Otherwise, well... Guys (and you know who you are), you'd better start figuring out who's gonna pick me up from SEA-Tac! *grin*