Have you ever received something in the mail that got you mad as all get out? Have you ever wanted to send something back to the sender with a “special note?" For me, TODAY is that day. Yep, I got a letter and I am FIRED up!

I know what you're thinking... Who would do this? Who would stoop that low? Scott is like a saint! (You were thinking that, right?)

I know what you're thinking... Who would do this? Who would stoop that low? Scott is like a saint! (You were thinking that, right?) I'll tell you who... The American Association of Retired People.

Yep, you read it correctly. Today, I was verbally assaulted by AARP. How did they do it? They sent me “birthday well wishes and an invitation to join their exclusive club.” UGH!

How rude!

They didn't send it by mistake. The envelope wasn’t labeled with "occupant" or "resident," it had MY NAME on it. They might as well have addressed it to "old guy" or "Mr. Squishy in the Middle" or "Five Head."

Listen, I didn't ask to join their club and truth be told, I have TWO HUNDRED AND TEN DAYS until my next BIG birthday. And that’s like a lifetime away!

Yeah, yeah, they couched in real nice terms and pretty pictures of “active adults,” but to me, it was assault none the less. I was REALLY upset... But, why?

Truth be told, I never planned on being this old. I never saw it in my mind or had a vision of what it would be like. Why would I? I always saw myself as a young band teacher. Being old(er), like life... Just happened. As a part of life, and this profession, I have become many things I never planned for:

I didn’t plan to become more hopeful or tolerant.
I didn’t plan become more organized or focused.
I didn’t plan to become more active or engaged.

But I did, because I taught music.

I didn’t plan to laugh as much or feel so deeply.
I didn’t plan to see the bigger picture of things or focus on the smallest details.
I didn’t plan to learn to multi-task or deal with really big problems.

But I did, because I taught music.

I didn’t plan to learn how to discipline with love or become more patient.
I didn’t plan to learn how to parent or become more patient.
I didn't plan to be this happy with who I am and how I have spent my life.

But I did, because I taught music.

This professional pathway we are on is as much as journey for US as it is for our students. Life and learning doesn’t always occur at the time and place of our choosing but, whether we plan for it or not, it is ALWAYS occurring.

I didn’t plan to be the person I am today, but I am… Because I taught music.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a 4:00 reservation at Luby’s I need to get to.