“Hi! I’m Rick Griffin and I’m in the middle of my midlife crisis. I quit my job, bought a convertible and now I’m hitting the road. The world is full of history, adventure, and great places to eat; and I intend to check it all out – before I check out. So grab your camera and some cash and come on, because you’re invited to join me on my Midlife Road Trip.” Midlife Road Trip – pilot episode
That’s the intro to my Midlife Road Trip. It’s almost true. It’s as close to the truth as I could come in the thirty seconds I was allowed for the intro. So to keep it real, here’s the real scoop. I am Rick Griffin and I am in the middle of my midlife crisis but I didn’t quit my job. I actually sold my business. When you’re self employed, there’s no one to turn your notice in to so you have to sell your business.
For years I owned a small chain of day care centers. I had ninety seven employees – all women. I know, some of you guys are probably thinking, “Man, it must be nice being the boss of all those women… like being the lone rooster in the hen house.” Well let me assure you that the day care business is not all fun and games. I have been hit, bit, slapped, scratched, kicked, poked, spit on, cried on, peed on, puked on, pooped on, laughed at, yelled at, screamed at, lied to… and I have even had nose nuggets wiped on my clothes. And the kids weren’t much better. So to relieve stress and lower my blood pressure, I sold the business. It’s a lot easier for me just to say I quit my job – but now you know the truth.
I also need to confess that I didn’t actually buy a convertible. I borrowed one from my friend, Jane. It’s an awesome little BMW convertible that’s a total blast to drive. The only problem is that Jane, in her own midlife crisis, had some super, mega, ghetto-blaster stereo system that takes up all of the trunk space, installed in the car. I could barely squeeze my tennis racket in the trunk, much less anything else. I think Jane’s stereo can actually be measured on the Richter Scale. Nonetheless, I am very grateful to Jane for the use of her little car. It looks great on camera.
- Jane’s Earth-Rockin’ Rig
The rest of the intro is pretty much true. There is so much to do and see and experience “out there” and there are so many interesting people to meet. I don’t want to get to the end of my life and feel like I missed out on something that God wanted me to experience – best not to tick God off. So, before I get too old, it’s time to hit the road.
