I could only get halfway through "King Kong"

I like kids.

There is something about spending time with kids that reminds you about how simple life can be. If you listen, really pay attention to them and let their hearts sink in, you can see how wonderful water feels caressing your skin or just how awe-inspiring the mechanics of an old carousel is.

I went to the water park with my cousins today. Being so small, they had to wear life jackets. It made it a bit easier to keep track of them, as you didn't spend the whole time worrying whether or not they were going to drown among the many other children. What you did have to do, however, was to bring your patience level. Kids like to do the same thing over and over. They continually delight in the same thing over and over. And over. And over.

This exploit was to ride the current of the river around and around. There were jets that pushed you forward, a purely ecstatic occurrence that happened when the water was churning.

At first, it was annoying. But you agree because you're older and for some reason, the added years mean you are supposed to give up what you want to do for the sake of the little ones. (It's one of the most decisive reasons one doesn't want their own kids just yet.) Then, to keep your sanity, you remind yourself that you used to be like this.

And then you really think: I still do this. I watch movies over because there is always something I missed the last time. Or I think about the message a bit differently and compare what you used to think to what you think now, leading to pondering who you are now from who you used to be. And maybe THAT will help you pinpoint who you want to be a month from now, or three, or even five years from now. Ten years. Twenty.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

On our fifth time around, Daphne was on my back, racing her mom and sister. The finish line, unfortunately, was blocked by an older large lady. Pushed by an inner tube, my head struck her ass. In a very noticeable fashion.

It was so horrifying, I couldn't help laughing even after my stomach hurt.