So here it is. I am staring down the barrel of a weekend with no plans. It is an odd occurrence.

In this business, there is always something to do, always something to cover. There are games and fires and special events.

But this weekend, unlike so many others before it, holds no plans for me. And wouldn’t you know it, all I keep hearing is “rain.”

Eh. Whatever. No big deal.

I suppose it is a kind of commentary on aging that the absence of plans fails to faze me.

In high school and college and even shortly thereafter, I always felt like I should have something to do or some place to be. Now, I know I always have something to do, some place to be, yet I feel like I shouldn’t have to.

Life is a cruel humorist.

When we were in kindergarten and first grade, we were forced to take naps in the afternoon, as if we needed them. We had the energy and desire to run everywhere and anywhere. But those who were authorities over us believed we needed naptime.

Now, I’d give just about anything to have a regular afternoon naptime. I often don’t feel like I have the energy to go anywhere or do anything. But those who have authority over us don’t believe we need naptime. Cruel irony huh?

But I guess that’s kind of the differences that come with aging. Some things that were once mandatory no longer become acceptable.

As a baby, you would cry and scream your head off. And what do you get? “Aw. Somebody needs a nap.”

No you cry and scream your head off and what do you get? “Aw. Somebody needs a beating.”

Hardly fair.

But from the time we turn 18 to the time we’re considered officially “old” we have assignments and responsibilities and expectations. There are things we must do and things we must not say.

Crankiness is not met with a nap or sympathy from loved ones. And a weekend sans responsibility becomes as infrequent as a good Paul Walker movie.

And maybe growing old isn’t the greatest thing in the world. But there is something to be said for getting to a point where you can say what you want, do what you want, dress how you want and emit whatever smell you want while people just look at you and say “Aw. Somebody needs a nap.”

But I guess even then, we’ll miss the days of always having somewhere to be and something to do.

I suppose the lesson is simple. Find something enjoyable about life no matter what stage you’re at. When you’re always on the go, appreciate the ability to be on the go. And when you get a weekend to do anything or nothing, appreciate the ability to lay on the couch aimlessly.

Jeremy D. Smith is sports editor for the Demopolis Times.