And I would like to ask a personal question

[Summer Hathaway]

12. Some of the (few) advantages

of growing old includes:

Hearing "things have never been as bad as THIS" - and knowing it's the hundredth time you've heard it.

Realizing that some of your fellow citizens aren't any dumber than they ever were - they can just broadcast their dumbness via the internet now, which makes it seem like there are a lot more of them than there used to be.

Refusing to accept doom-and-gloom scenarios as late-breaking news - when they're really just tired old reruns.

Being able to say "Things were waaaay better in my day" - and realizing that your grandparents said that, your parents said that, your kids will eventually say it, and so will every generation say it for all eternity. And we all will have meant it, damn you!

Recognizing that for every problem there is a solution, and someone will always find that solution - even if it's not you, although you can always claim credit for it after the fact.

Acknowledging that some things are worth fighting for, and some things are worth laughing about - and knowing the difference between the two, despite those who can't seem to tell the difference on their best day

Wanting to change the world in a BIG way, and realizing that it's the small things that change the world - which you are more than capable of handling.

Remembering that life will go on, with or without you - and deciding that 'with you' makes a lot more sense, because you're already in the neighborhood anyway.