So Today It Hit Me

On April 10th, 2001 in a big hospital in Chicago, IL I became a father. I made the commute in time to Chicago to be there for the big day, and I like to think that despite distance have been a good father. We have made trips, gone places, learned things, played games, and had lots of fun daddy daughter moments.

Well on April 10th, 2011 my little Novali Alexys Centellas turned ten years old. It was a whirlwind for me, the week leading up to her party I was in four different states, consulting and presenting for two universities and at one national conference. I made it back into Chicago late the night before her party...

So needless to say leading up to her party I didn't have much time to reflect. Then right after her party that Sunday I worked a ten hour day preparing for our campus concert, and Monday I worked... 16 hours! (yes straight in one day). So the entire week I was trying to catch up on work, life and of course some sleep.

This weekend, well on Saturday specifically I was the chair of a teen driving school. I have been involved with the Tire Rack Street Survival program for several years now. So today when we were doing introductions to the student several coaches mentioned their kids doing the school and without thinking I said during my introduction and that in a few short years... my daughter would be driving...

So it hit me... what? In five years she can get a drivers permit? In 6 years she will have a license? Will she get a car? Will she crash my Z? Will she want to autocross? Will she be a good driver? Oh man... I am the parent of a ten year old!

I am still a little bit in shock... will she in one of my classrooms in five years? Learning how to overcome a rear slide on wet pavement at the Tire Rack test track...

Luckily I have a long time before I worry about that with Cruz... but man my little girl is growing up so fast and now I am really feeling old!

Edit: Party Pictures