From The Storyteller
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Goals
I’m a 15-year-old longing for the day I can get my driver’s license. I’m a sophomore, working as a very part-time stocker at the IGA, and I think my dream job would be to work in a gas station. Naturally my career “goal” is based on my teenage boy’s world view. Guys, who worked in gas stations were by definition “cool”; they drove great cars, always had money, and cruised the strip with an awesome girl sitting next to them. Simple cause and effect logic told me the place to start working on meeting all my worldly needs was a gas station job. Over the years I’ve found my youthful thoughts shortsighted. I’m now a 79-year-old, retired, quadruple bypass recipient. My wall calendar is replete with multiple doctor appointments, and a twice weekly Tai Chi class at the community senior center. Each week I try to walk 3-4 miles and try to read 1-2 books a month. My gas station logic proved to be faulty. I discovered that to drive truly great cars required “Bill Gates” kind of income (which I definitely never have had), and I learned the trick to always having money is to spend less than you make. As for having an awesome girl sitting next to me as I drive around starts with one basic requirement – no bucket seats. I’ve been married to one awesome woman for over 40 years, and with the exception of a 1986 pickup I once owned, I still haven’t found a way to overcome this limitation. My 2026 new year’s “goal” is to celebrate my 80th birthday with a family party/reunion on July 4th in Denver - without the need for a funeral director. This 2026 “goal” seems reasonable and doable. Let the year begin. Moral: It is good to be clear about your “goals”. PS: Happy New Year!!! |