Not a Typical 9/11 Post - Hopefully

The big statement is that things are different since 9/11, 2001. It is true for me, but not because of the attacks. How are things different?

Five years ago I was in the tail end of a long relationship. My life was peaceful and predictable. I enjoyed it, really. I have the same job, but it seemed easier at the time. My family life was stable. Things were very pleasant, actually.

Things are not so peaceful now. I am facing the stress of getting married to a woman that I was only acquainted with five years ago. I never dreamed that my future would be with her. My health and my family's health have taken a slide. I guess my health isn't too bad, but I have a plethora of aches and pains that I don't remember having five years ago. I am not sure if it is the weight lifting, the stress of the upcoming nuptuals, or some demon that has awakened after a long, dormant slumber. My mother's health is more fragile. My sisters' are as well. Time tends to do this to us with or without terrorism.

I haven't flown in a plane since 9/11, 2001. It isn't so much fear as it is finances and time. I never have been fond of flying so this (especially the new security measures) hasn't given me much incentive to try. I will get over it next month when I fly to Jamaica for my wedding, though.

Five years ago, I owned no houses. Today I have two (and soon to be three). I really would like to own none again and rent. Who has time for keeping up with property? I guess I wouldn't mind one place in a rural setting, but that dream has too many layers of dust for me to take it seriously anymore.

Things have changed a lot for me since 9/11, 2001, but I can't give the credit or the blame to terrorists. The world tends to turn no matter what calamities come. We can turn with it or live in fear. In some ways, I think we shouldn't have changed a thing (on the visible level). Things change enough on their own. Just look at my life.