In the Chicago Tribune today there was an article titled Adulthood: Are We There Yet? And it features none other than my kickball team, The Pirate Hookers.
I find this article highly amusing. In part because I've been feeling a little irresponsible these past few months... ever since kickball started.... Late nights, lots of drinking, slacking at work, never being at home, yada, yada, yada. And guess what - The Chicago Tribune says that's just part of being a "rejuvenile".
I'm not sure it makes me feel better about my life these past few months, but it does make me laugh. And gives me more to chew on as I continue down my introspective road.
I'm not sure all of you will be able to access the article, so here are a few highlights....
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On an unseasonably cool summer evening in Chicago's Welles Park, a member of the Lincoln Square stroller crowd stops, does a double-take and is mesmerized by a gaggle of grown-ups chasing a red rubber ball.
"Is that what I think it is?" her eyes seem to ask. "Are they playing kickball?"
You bet they are. It's Monday night, and James Brown Celebrity Hot Tub is taking on the Pirate Hookers in an epic showdown. But this isn't your typical sport and social league. There's a Jolly Roger flag waving proudly on the sideline. From a boom box the Godfather of Soul belts out "Sex Machine." And these adults, ranging in age from early 20s to late 30s, are having the time of their lives playing a game most of us haven't experienced since grade school.
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For the Monday night kickball crew--where the pace of the game is brisk to allow for more bar time--it's all about the social connection. But for many, rejuvenile behavior also represents a redefinition of what it means to be an adult. In his book, Noxon cites a University of Maryland survey showing only 17 percent of people ages 21 to 28 consider marriage as essential for adulthood. Interestingly, "avoiding vulgar language" was regarded as equally important.
"People are waiting until they're older to have kids, so it's a time to play versus a time to raise a family like our parents," said Tisha Wiley, 25, who lives in East Village. "So why not do something fun like play kickball?"
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1 comment:
some of my friends so kickball in chicago on sundays. their season is almost over, but they've been loving it too. these club sports look like fun. maybe i'll see if i can find a sport to do for next year.
peace.
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