Growing up

First of all, I should get some kind of award for the number of posts I've written in October. This has to be some kind of record! (It is, right?)

Second of all, I'm getting serious here. I've actually meant to sit and write this for many months (now that I said it, I'm not 100% sure I haven't written it...humor me). It's been a neat experience to read my friends' and family's blogs over the last year. Most of the people reading this right now live 600+ miles away from me, so I never get to hear how you are doing and see what you are up to; in addition to that, I don't get to experience the grown ups you have become. I'm sure I'll touch on the female readers some time soon, but this post goes out to the men.

Wow.

Looking at the pictures and reading the stories, I'm sure, don't do you justice. Way back in June, Father's Day to be exact, I remember reading lots of posts going out to the dad's. Most of you had one on your blog, and not to make light of anyone's tribute, I remember Lorraine's standing out. Reading the qualities that she wrote about Jeff being a husband and father floored me (and creeped me out, no offense Jeff). Most of the memories I have of Jeff are of my visits to Roosevelt as a kid and having Easter, or watching Conference, or jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler under it and going to dinosaur land...it seems so strange to think of him as a dad.

Anyways, that's just one example. I see pictures all the time of my cousins as husbands and fathers and can tell just by looking that you are great at what you do. When did you all grow up into amazing men?

I was talking to a friend of mine at about the quality of men out there to date awhile back, though we talk about it regularly. Most of the men we are acquainted with come in second to a good book. Case-in-point, last weekend I went to a YSA activity (Young Single Adult - a reminder for those of you not single) and had a conversation with a 28 year old man. When I asked him what he did for a living he said he has a lawn mowing business (no mention of a degree), when I asked him how many people work for him he said just himself. I know a lot of 12-14 year olds have lawn mowing businesses. I'm not sure what else to say, I was looking for an escape at that point as a 28 year old professional lawn mower extrordinare did not seem up to snuff. Is that harsh? I realize there is more to a man than his profession, but...

I'm gonna go ahead and tie this single girl soap box up and say "men, I'm impressed" and "congratulations" to the ladies. Nice job rounding up a good one!