What A Difference 7 Year Makes

While organizing my stuff I came accross this picture of me ~7 years ago and realized how much I changed (physically, emotionaly, and personally):



Almost seven year ago I was a Third Class Petty Officer in the navy aboard an carrier. Now I'm a stocker at Wal-Mart and Albertsons living at my dad's house. During that time I had 6 months of unemployment, went through four periods of employment (started Albertsons, quit and went to 7-11, joined Wal-Mart, quit 7-11, joined Albertsons again). I went throug college and got my associates degree, went for a bachelors but dropped out. I built up over $16K in credit debt and paid it off in less than 1.5 years. Found out my best friend from High School had a deteriorqating heart condition and less than 4 years later found him dead sitting in the living room. Fell out of my faith, went back, and fell out again (hopefully I can get back soon-not a problem of faith but a problem with obedience). Grew my hair out, cut it off, grew it back and have gone through countless facial hairstyles. Went from having no idea of what I wanted to do with my life to realizing I want to be an auto mechanic (or deisel tech which pays a lot more and is in higher demand).

Let this be a lesson young ones, when someone older than you gives you advise, don't have the attitude that the're only some odd years older than you because a lot can happen in those years.

DallasBlack wrote:

Let this be a lesson young ones, when someone older than you gives you advise, don't have the attitude that the're only some odd years older than you because a lot can happen in those years.

Well said. I always take time out to listen to any advice, whether good or bad and then I decide from there. It's interesting to hear about others experiences too.

And when the advice comes from a dinosaur like me or SAHB, question it. Might be senility setting in.

Mike, I will keep ya in my prayers, brother.

the sentinel wrote:

Mike, I will keep ya in my prayers, brother.

It is greatly appreciated brother.

That's some journey you've been through. You look the same to me except for the longer hair. I know what you mean about the faith issues but i know you're a true believer so you'll persevere.

Thanks for sharing this DB. Of all the people on the board here, you always wear your heart on your sleeve and say it like it is.

Cool story. I don't even think there are pictures of me at 22 so I couldn't compare to 29. Suffice it to say I wasn't very photogenic as an addict.

Heres my four year difference.


Age 18


Age 22

That's a huge difference Chairman!

Mine would be too. I went from wearing flannel and a big, dangling earring to wearing a white shirt and tie every day.

Now, I'm kinda in the middle. I work in a business casual environment which means no jeans or T shirts but at least I don't have a tie anymore.

And of course, hair is still really short and I have a medical exemption for "facial hair".

tohostudios wrote:

I have a medical exemption for "facial hair".

You look like a different man Chairman. My change was more physical and emotional than appearance (except the head and facial hair-and the compelxtion, you can't see it but I had a few prominent pimples by my lip).