This is the first time in probably years where the year has started off with nonstop action. Most of the time, the month of January has been just dry and boring for me. Things go by like syrup, so the days feel too long and I’m usually left sitting and staring at a clock for the time to just edge by.
But this year, January has been a monster for me. I feel like I’ve been on a rollercoaster for this first half of the month, up and down, up and down. There’s been barely any time to breathe and reflect on all the changes. As my friend said to me the other day, there’s no time to feel much emotion for things that have happened.
In the little free time I’ve had this month, I have been walking around more and reflecting on the past few years. I’ve seen a few of my favorite businesses in my neighborhood close down due to the slow economy, and new businesses popping up near the Financial District showing promise for an improving economy. Still, there are a lot of vacant storefronts, all victims to the recession.
I also find myself observing others more, and realizing what a long way I’ve come in the past 5-10 years. It’s a big chunk of time to think about, but I notice how times have changed and how I’ve aged when observing others. I watch young high-schoolers board the bus with their nonchalant “tough” demeanor and I wonder what they’ll be thinking about when they come to my age. I’m not much older than they are, but the space between the teenage and young adult years is much wider than the space between the 20s and 30s.
The rest of the month (the next two weeks) will continue upon this rollercoaster I’ve boarded. I’m not sure if the ride will stop on my birthday or if it’ll continue on throughout the year.