I’ve always always always been a fan of LaShawn Barber and her blog. I’ve written many times how much I admired her “comments” section, loaded with real dialog (not spam) that almost takes on a “forum” or “board” atmosphere— something I’ve …

My blog is a mix of news, politics, and digital media / music… perhaps you and your readers would enjoy these two youtube videos as much as I:
http://and-still-i-persist.com/2007/12/18/what-if-the-beatles-had-done-stairway-to-heaven/
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaR_RIXUeOA&feature=related

After you’ve watched them, please stop by my blog and tell me what you think!
Dave Lucas

In fact, there’s a book called MIDLIFE CRISIS AT 30: HOW THE STAKES HAVE CHANGED FOR A NEW GENERATION— AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT (RODALE, 2004 Lia Macko and Kerry Rubin.)

Now that I’m 32, I’m at a semi-calm space, but I imagine that in 3 years when Lord willing, 35 comes, that I’ll be…in another period of…reflection and re-evaluation.

I hope the best for you!

I think ‘midlife crisis’ isn’t so much an excuse as just a name for an event. It’s a person’s reaction to the moment in their life that’s either good or bad.

@Ted Moore: Skip the tv and get a projector. We aim ours at the wall in our family room for an 8ft x 12ft picture. If you’re into sports or whatever, it’s like you’re THERE. Plus the projector’s portable unlike a big tv. PS: Congrats on a great family life! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

I never felt that I/we sacrificed for our children. Tho my oldest daughter reports absolute disbelief from college teachers and classmates when she discussed my allowance levels when we were raising her and her sisters. Married with children was both joyous and stressful, and I would not willingly trade it for fast cars and parties. I admit I was somewhat surprised when I added classical and church music to my list but I never dropped the wild stuff from my youth either.

We did not need two incomes largely because we decided that time with children was more important than snowmobiles and four wheelers. Took the kids camping/fishing/canoeing (never had a motorboat) /hiking/exploring ghosttowns. Pat did without new furniture/carpet until the kids were grown. Next year I’ll get a hdtv at last because this year I can still think of more important things to spend the money on.

Mid life crises? Not if we are successfull at living a life that conforms with what we think is important.

Full disclosure – Tho I/we love our children wildly, I have never claimed, nor believe that our children are perfect or are a model for others and their children.

That being said, at 42 I was laid off after 15 years of corporate sales work. As I stood with my box-o-desk-goods waiting for my wife and kids to pick me up, I realized that I was happy! In debt, with bills, no job, two kids, and happy… so my wife and I counted the costs of my pursuing a career in art, then we dumped the 401Ks, paid off the debts and have not looked back.

I’d have to politely disagree with Mr. Pergiel, as his time frame doesn’t work with me or most of the families I know. We are in our 40s now, and have young children. I think there is a larger percentage of people having kids later in life than there was 20 or 30 years ago, so having an empty nest at midlife is no longer usual.

You don’t need to pay attention to me and I hope I haven’t offended you, but I have to say you spoke to me for a long time, and I listened and learned.

In friendship,
Dianne

La Shawn Barber throws out the question: Are you now or have you ever gone through a so-called mid-life crisis? I have my doubts about the very existence of such things, if only because I question the timing. And maybe……