Thinking like a kid

I could see that my wife was tired from a long week. She wanted to spend the day chilling out, but instead had to attend a bridal shower. To help, I offered to do the grocery shopping.

I started off fine in the grocery store. I kept to our list: milk, eggs, iced tea, bread, and then the wheels fell off the train. What happened? Of course, I hit the bulk goods aisle. I turned and saw the Swedish Fish in the clear, glass canister and they started to reel me in, the big fish had caught the fisherman. Next, I grabbed the Atomic Fireballs and they held my attention like ticking time bomb. Lest you think my sweet tooth went crazy, it wasn’t just candy. I grabbed the canister of dried pineapples and another of walnuts.

I let my five minutes of nostalgic memories get me off track and way over budget. By the time, I got pulled back to reality, my cart had $50 worth of stuff I wasn’t planning on originally buying.

I show my middle age now and again. When I look in the mirror, my goat-tee tends to have more salt and pepper than I last remembered. When Saturday hits, I tend to dress in classic dad chore attire — cargo shorts, t-shirt, and white sneakers. And I find I need a nap now more than ever.

Despite all that, there are times when I’m very much a silly, little kid. You put me in any bulk goods section and I’m instantly taken back to the little mom and pop grocery stores of my youth.

C is for Cookie

It’s not just the bulk goods aisle, I smelled something fresh baking in our oven last week and I was back in time in my mom’s kitchen. I had just gotten off the bus and she was home waiting for me with a cold glass of milk or soda and a warm plate of Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Most days as a kid, I would beat my mom home from her work. I would use my key in my bag or our hidden hideaway spot and let myself into the house. My brothers were older and usually stayed after school for practice or some school activity. I would get my chores out of the way and start my homework. My mom would get home about an hour later. On the rare occurrence when she didn’t have to work, however, she would have cookies or some sweet snack waiting for me.

I walked into my house last week, smelled the stove, and instantly thought it was cookies or brownies baking in the oven. In reality, it was just dinner, but it still felt good going back in time.

Fifty something going on crazy college kid

It’s the same way walking into a store to pick up a six-pack of beer. It’s hard for me to remember what it feels like to be 21 years old. However, put me in a liquor store or beer distributor and I’m instantly a young man, fearful that the man or woman behind the counter is going to laugh at childish looks and send me packing.

I walked into the wine store recently to pick out a bottle of wine. I was old enough to be the cashier’s grandfather, but I still felt like I was kid in college, not sure what to buy and worried about making a scene.  

Good grief.

Fighting my own demons

It’s other things too. When my kids were younger and facing the slings and arrows of school, it was hard sometimes to not be taken back in time and reminded of my own struggles. Once again I was a kid in elementary school figuring out when to defend myself and when to walk away.

Fortunately, I kept my experiences to myself, but I would have to remind myself that my kids weren’t fighting the same fights as me.

Remembering our childhoods

I think we all have moments that turn us into kids. What smells, tastes, experiences, or memories take you back to your childhoods?