'Time Won't Leave Me as I Am'

I've known U2 most of my life but didn't become a true fan until 2001 and the Elevation Tour. Since then, the band and its music have played a big role in my life, sparking big adventures and great friendships. Carlos, this week's contributor, is one of those friends I made thanks to U2. Below, he reflects on his life at 35.

Your name Carlos G.

What year did you turn 35? 10 years ago

Where were you living then? Fontana, California

What were you doing then? Working for the same company I work now.

What big personal milestones happened when you were 35? Married for 11 years, second baby born.

What major events happened in the world that year? U2 played in the Super Bowl's half time show....

What are your favorite memories of being 35? Having my second kid born, Ian.

What did you like best about yourself at that age? The fact that I still felt like a teenager.

What did you like least about yourself at that age? The fact that I thought I was still a teenager.

What was the most surprising thing about being 35? That adults in their 30s and 40s can be as immature as children.

If you could go back to that age knowing what you know now, what would you do differently? Be more patient.

What advice can you offer to other 35-year-olds? If it does not feel right, don't do it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experiences being 35? Take more pictures and video, you will regret it if you don't.

'I Love You and I Like You'

This week I went through the four DVD sets of "Parks & Recreation," my favorite show on TV. There's so much I adore about the show, the relationships at the top of that list. I've written in the past about how much I dislike the will-they-or-won't-they plots on TV shows, but I've been 100-percent pro Leslie and Ben throughout their story arc on "Parks & Rec." They're one of my top TV couples.

My favorite thing about Leslie and Ben is that they really like each other. It should be a given that two people in a couple would actually like each other, but in TV and movies that seems to be the exception and not the rule. I didn't watch "Everybody Loves Raymond" because I couldn't stand the sniping and put downs. I walked out of "Before Midnight" because the constant picking got me.

Why is it so rare for pop culture couples to like each other?

Sadly, in real life, I've known a number of couples who don't seem to like each other either. I don't get it. Why be with someone who you think is stupid? Why spend your time with a person who's every action drives you crazy? Why link your life to a person you don't respect?

Having never been married, I'll admit I'm probably a little naïve about the inner workings of a long-term relationship. I do understand that, like all human relationships, romantic relationships have ups and downs, but even on the worst day, I want to believe that like will keep everything afloat.

For every negative example in pop culture and in life, I know of so many more real and fictional couples that love each other, are devoted to one another and, above all, really like each other. That's what I want. I want to be with someone who I think is the coolest guy on the planet, someone who I think is smart and talented and decent and good-hearted, someone I like and love.

'Did I mention that I make really neat pie charts?'

Throughout the course of the day, I'll wonder why I haven't found a job yet. I've been lucky to have plenty of jobs to apply for, I just haven't gotten many bites. Why? What am I doing wrong? What should I do differently? What tricks can I try?

The other night when pondering these ceaseless questions, another question came to me, one much more essential than all the others I've been dwelling on. Am I ready? If I got a job offer tomorrow, am I prepared to settle back into the office environment, the commute, the dress codes, the assignments, the deadlines, the full nine?

I believe I am, believe that if I got that call I'd be ready to get up early in the morning, my outfit laid out, my gas tank full, my breakfast made. I want the assignments, the tasks and the to-do lists. I want to learn the schedule and meet my deadlines. I want to be back to work and am ready to go.

How do I express that readiness to the recruiters, HR administrators, editors and computer programs currently considering the applications I've submitted? I can't call each of these people, can't go to all of their offices, bursting with enthusiasm, "What can I do for you? Do you need any help? Let me get that for you." Somehow, I have to figure out how to tell them that I'm done sitting on the bench and ready to be put in the game in just a few hundred characters.

Maybe if I keep repeating to myself and to anyone who'll listen that I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready, I'll get the chance to prove how ready I am.