Looks to me like a lot of guys that I run into lately are soft. They can't swing a hammer or turn a wrench, repair or build anything. They don't ride a bicycle or skate or ski or snowboard or have any sort of real relationship with any sort of machine except for some electronic devices. Their hands are soft and they don't have any scars, or have ever worn a cast. They don't swing a bat or racquet and the only time they sweat is when they're on a treadmill running, like a little mouse, around in circles.
I happen to wear tattoos along with my scars, my wrinkles and my other imperfections and I'm quite proud of every mark on my body. My hands hold a few scars and sometimes I feel that if I don't bleed on a project, I may not have put enough of myself into it. My kids know which wrinkles on my face are theirs and which tattoos are for them. And if you think my wife is off the hook, think again. She also knows which wrinkles are hers, as well as the inked devil duck I wear for her.
I guess I'm seeing these marks as times in my life, good times and bad times, they're my times. I've chosen to save some memories with tattoos and some memories have chosen to stay with me in the form of scars.
But these guys I'm encountering are soft and pasty and probably don't know how to open the hood of their car. They sure as hell couldn't tell you where the oil dipstick is, let alone how to check the transmission fluid. The weird part is, they'll wear clothing that suggests they partake in some outdoor activity. They'll be spotted in surf apparel or clothing worn by motorcycle riders as if they participate in these past times.
They will also have a tattoo, which makes me laugh. You usually won't see their one tattoo, cause they're usually embarrassed about it. You'll hear some lame ass story how they were drunk, or were dared, or how some ex-girlfriend told him it would make him a bad ass. Quite sad.
The thing about all this that really bothers me, is these guys don't go outside and play. They don't have any relationship with nature, they stay inside, they experience the outdoors through various glowing screens. They live vicariously through other athletes, while never having any mud in their eye or get the thrill of a heart racing adrenaline rush. Yet they wear clothing that suggests that they partake in an extreme sport, but they don't.
It would be great if they had a better understanding of their car also. If the car won't start, turning the key off and trying it thirty more times isn't going to make the car start. And learn how to change a tire and maybe some basic maintenance. These guys do a lot of complaining when a mechanic hands them a bill that equals a mortgage payment for their services, so knowing a few things about your ride goes a long way.
So go outside guys, go to the beach, go shoot some baskets at the park, or go hike a local trail and spend some time under the hood of your car. I'm not telling you to go out and hurt yourself, but go outside, especially if you have kids. Get them and you off of the couch and go ride and sweat a little and get dirty. It'll make that beer at the end of the day that much better.
