For gratifying my ego, the 80s were the best decade:
- Was considered a "rising employee with executive potential", going from local consulting/support to geographical area client support to local manager to manager of national team by end of decade. I received several free family trips (with spending money) paid for by Megacorp as awards.
- Received many unsolicited opportunities for romantic relationships as I was devilishly handsome, athletic, well-dressed, and a gentleman
. But I chose not to take advantage of those opportunities, and instead married the prettiest woman in the universe.
- Bought our first condo, which almost doubled in value in 3 years, to let us buy our first standalone home. Thought this real estate stuff would be easy
.
- Started having kids, who still believed Dad was the greatest at the end of the decade.
- Had a front page article in the local Sunday paper about me and my work at the 1984 Olympics, which led to many opportunities to speak at local schools and youth organizations (and deal with more romantic interest).
- With Megacorp's approval continued to be an on air DJ at my alma mater's FM radio station and DJ at local clubs and private parties. No clients ever complained, a lot of them said they listened to me, and it lead to being hired for private parties. Met a lot of musical artists from their station visits and the concerts the radio station sponsored. I gave it up primarily due to the increasing time commitment as my career advanced and the increased romantic temptation/stalking it was generating.
- Started traveling across the country for Megacorp, and it was still new and exciting.
- Sang a duet with Diana Ross (for all of 15 seconds) in Las Vegas.
- Was very active in softball/flag-tackle football/basketball/volleyball/racquetball leagues. Not a star, but I was asked to participate in these things so my athletic talent was either respected our they were desperate
- Could eat anything I want and not gain weight. Like those huge steaks at the Traildust in Dallas.
- Only experienced one tragic loss, one of my college roommates. Both Dw and my parents were still alive and active. Family and friends had not yet started dying.
- There is a wide age range among my siblings, but during the decade the range reach college years to mid-30's so we were all able to have a lot more in common and grew closer.
- In general, at that time, "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades"
Again, this is from a pure ego standpoint. Things that were good for my ego were not necessarily good for me. Being older and wiser, the sentiment of "any decade I survive is a good decade" rings true.
