old has benefits

as you get older there are certainly some benefits to come. there's voting at 18, lower insurance at 25, thought of as an actual adult around 28 or so, three steps at 32 and aarp some time coming within the next 30 years.

let's take a look at the three steps. i have been playing in a basketball league all summer. at 32 i am the oldest guy on the court. there are a few around 25 and 26 and most at around 18-20 years old. generally speaking i am slower, less skilled now, and can't breathe as long as most everyone else. however, i do receive a few extra calls.

in the second half, on a fast break, i was just ahead of our guy bringing down the middle. i received the pass, driving to the hoop, and suddenly realized i was about to take an extra step. i had stuttered at the beginning. i could already hear the whistle, but i followed through and made the layup. looked at the ref. no whistle the bucket counted. i thought to myself, he must have seen the extra step... but I'll take it.

after the game i went up to the ref and said, "thanks for giving me the extra step." he laughed and said, "i do that for the oldest man on the court, besides they are always beating you up down there."

so there you have it. just another benefit of getting older.