Generation X vs. The Millenials

I was born in 1976 which makes me one of the last of the Generation Xers. It also means that in many ways, I relate significantly more to the all-popular, white-hot-with-the-national-media-these-days, Gen Y crowd.

I've read most of the latest articles that have been written about Gen Y, or Millennials. I found myself wondering what happens to those of us on the cusp of these societal definitions of generations. Am I some kind of anomaly because I can easily relate to the values and motivations of TWO generations? Does it make me more attractive in the business world? In my next interview, should I be promoting myself as uniquely capable of relating to the values and characteristics of the two most feared, and most needed, generations of our time?

What this has to do with my role as a mother, I have no idea. Just my brain balancing my dichotomic roles in life - public relations professional and mommy. I'll have more later after I snuggle with my boys, fix dinner, find out how my husband's day was and make a delicious bean and corn salsa for a picnic tomorrow afternoon. Priorities, priorities...

Later...
So now we're sitting out on the patio enjoying the mild summer evening. Thomas is eating the mini M&Ms I got for them to have for dessert tonight (the only thing that motivates him to finish dinner these days). Andrew left most of his meal uneaten of course so he's not as priviledged. The hubby and I are enjoying a frosty beverage and waving to the next door neighbors.

Speaking of neighbors, there's some good material. I actually love our neighborhood. We definitely lucked out with both of our immediate next door neighbors. We'll call one family the Ds and the other, the Bs.

The Ds are great. They were one of the first of our neighbors to come to our door bearing a "welcome to the neighborhood gift," Mrs. D 8 months pregnant with her darling husband and six year old son in tow. They were the first of our neighbors we actually socialized with. They are a darling family and have become dear friends. We've had Chiefs parties, birthday parties, and many an over-the-fence backyard conversation. The boys absolutely idolize their oldest son and he actually seems to enjoy playing with them.

The Bs are a mid-30-ish, childless couple. Their dog has the same name as ours, and Mr. B and I see eachother often through work. He's general manager of our city Symphony and Mrs. B is a lawyer. Last year they bought gifts for the boys at Christmas, came to our youngest's birthday party, and Mrs. B drove all over the neighborhood until she found our dog that had run off in 20-degree weather last winter. They are truly kind people. Despite our different priorities, they have been interested in our lives, gracious, and darling hubby has really hit it off with Mr.B. I especially love to hear about darling hubby going next door to play video games on Mr. Bs 50" plasma TV until midnight.

Then there's J & K and their three kids. They live behind us and our backyards meet. There's no fence and they have a large, incredibly tempting swingset. The boys made a bee line for it the minute we moved in. Back then, there was an open invitation from K, as long as we were there with them. That lasted, hmmm, about six months. We honestly only went over there maybe once a week, nothing that the average person would think was excessive. Eventually we started hearing their two older children yelling at our boys "You didn't ask!!" Then more mean spirited things like "Go Home!" It broke my heart to hear my kids being treated that way so we eventually quit letting them go down there unless the family specifically invited us. I have a hard time believing those kids came up with that sentiment on their own. Other experiences with J (yelling at his wife because she wasn't watching their youngest closely enough for his taste), and arguements with other neighbors have confirmed our feelings. From what we understand, there's a bit of a "cul-de-sac cult" that this family belongs to. They own a John Deere tractor mower together, have Easter Egg Hunts and 4th of July parties together. Don't get me wrong, I'd be right in there with them if we lived up there, but it's a little wierd to observe from the outside.

I think I'm feeling a script for a sitcom or primetime drama here...