Where do you see yourself in five years?

A typical question I’ve heard countless times, yet, I’ve never developed an answer. I know five years ago I didn’t think I’d be here, wondering where I’ll see myself five years from the time in my life I couldn’t predict five years prior. Confusing? You bet.

For all past, present and future times I’ll be asked this question, here it goes …

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My iPod alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m., a Radiohead jam plays … not heavy enough to bother my wife but just enough melody to catch my attention. I have to actually roll to turn it off. We’ve finally upgraded to a king size bed and I actually have my own nightstand. I never needed one before because I never had to set the alarm; I worked mostly evenings and the kids were a natural alarm — they tend to sleep in these days.

I’m awake before anyone else in the household, a laughable statement five years ago.

We live in a nice neighborhood with sidewalks. The sun is just starting to rise; I can see the dew on the front lawn and a fog beginning to rise. I lace up my running shoes and head out for a 1-mile jog, a daily routine of mine.

The household slowly begins to erupt when I return. The kids are getting ready for school; I’m making their lunches just like I always have. All four of them are in school now … Ava is only a few years away from graduating. How time flies …

I’m the last one out the door, but I’m glad I was able to see the family off as they began their day. My truck is in the garage today, I finally made space in the two-car garage to park inside. You’d think after never owning a garage so large I’d know how to maintain one. I’m still getting used to backing the truck out; it’s not as small as the Civic I had before it. I always wanted a truck but drive-time to work and rising gas prices always kept me from purchasing one. I’m glad to say I live only 20 minutes from the office and gas prices have been stable for years.

My drive along the lakeshore never ceases to amaze me. Western New York is truly a beautiful location. No sunrise or sunset over the lake seems the same.

By the time I finished one segment on WGR550 I’ve arrived at the office. I still have time before I check in, just enough to grab a Starbucks around the corner. It’s a good thing I’ve learned to enjoy dark coffee.

I have an office now, did I mention that? It figures, all those years wishing I had an office and when I finally get one I wish I hadn’t. The workplace environment is fun and I’d rather mingle with my co-workers. No worries, a group of us usually go to a local bistro for lunch. OK, maybe not a bistro, that still sounds too swanky for me. We have to walk a little ways to reach the (establishment that sells food), but it’s a beautiful day and the people are friendly. The city always has an air of excitement when the Sabres are in the playoffs. I’m especially excited because I have tickets to a game 7 tomorrow night … I never thought I’d have season tickets, but here I am.

My workday flies by. I can’t recall what I did but I know I was productive. I’ve always been blessed to have a job that never feels like work because I enjoy it so much. I only had one job that seemed so endless, redundant to the point I thought time truly stood still — the ice cream factory where I broke boxes down, day-in and day-out. Thank God those days are over.

Soon after I was pulling down our street. I see my kids in the front yard playing basketball. After school I used to always be greeted with the same question, “Do you have to work tonight?” Followed up by a miserable, dejected sound of disappointment when I’d say “Yeah, I do, I’m sorry.” I forgot what that conversation felt like; it’s been a few years since I’ve worked a night shift.

We enter the house to see my wife already with dinner going — pork chops, green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. Yum! It’s a good thing I only had half a sandwich at the bistro … err, place that sells food.

It’s a Tuesday so it’s my turn to take our oldest to dance class. We’ve been doing this for years. We don’t see each other that often because she’s busy with friends and school so I always try and get in as much conversation with her as I can. I miss how we used to have to drive 30 minutes to her class … there’s never enough time sometimes.

A bustling household quickly begins to settle as my wife and I get our children tucked in for bed. We have a rotational system where I tuck one kid in and she tucks in another. It used to be easier when the boys bunked together but now they all have their own rooms.

Kerplunk! That routine noise often heard around 8 p.m. each day is the sound of my wife and I hitting the couch for the first time. We’re both pretty exhausted but we make time for each other; she’ll talk about how difficult her class is and I’ll usually keep quiet and listen. Some things never change. I still don’t talk about my work much; I just never feel the need to. I prefer work and everything that comes with it stays at the office.

Our conversation will continue on the back deck. We each have a glass of wine … the smell reminds me of the vineyards we used to live near. I do miss that smell.

The day ends with me staying up later than I should, playing a video game because old habits die hard …