(And she can read my blog posts and my emails.)
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A little while ago I published a post titled Ten Things I Hate About Being Old. I suppose it's only fair and reasonable for me to speak to the other side.
1. I like having no schedule to follow. I have always wanted that. I dislike being forced to do the same things at the same time or in the same way. When I was working - at least for the last 18 years that I was working - the office was about three minutes from my home. I could have turned left out of my driveway, left again at the next corner, then right, and I was there. I almost never did that. I would go around the block, zig zag through the neighborhood, or maybe go up to the bay and drive along there. I wanted to see what the water looked like, or which neighbors were planting new gardens, or what was in bloom. I always allowed plenty of time to get to work each morning. Now it is necessary for me to do some things at the same time each day, like taking medication, or eating somewhere near the same times (though I often forget to eat and it runs late). But for the most part, I can do as I please when I please.
2. I can sleep in if I like. Strange. All my life I've been a morning person. I still am, up to a point. I do all my chores or shopping early, and by noon I'm ready to sit down and relax. But these days I find I sometimes want to sleep as late as 8: some mornings.
3. People hold doors for me! And salespeople often go find what I'm looking for while I wait by the counter. White hair and a cane seem to inspire courtesy.
4. There are some Senior Discounts. Not a lot, simply because I don't buy much very often, but occasionally I run into them.
5. People don't expect as much of me. That can really go on either list, because it can be a bit insulting. But it can also be nice if I don't feel like giving much of myself at some particular time.
6. I can speak my mind. Not that I haven't done that most of my life, but now I can get away with it more often without repercussions.
7. I have time to blog - or whatever I feel like doing. Or doing nothing at all.
8. I am no longer responsible for anyone else, day to day. We all have responsibilities for others all our lives of course, just because we are here on this earth along with them. But I no longer have to cook or sew or wipe noses or write notes to teachers, or deal with teen-age angst. I miss that sometimes. But mostly - not so much.
9. I don't have to answer to anyone. I would give anything if my husband were still here to answer to. But that aside, I no longer have an employer, and that is all good.
10. I still have a grandchild young enough to be pure joy as I watch his development and share his excitement of the discovery of the whole, wide world around him. He lives 3000 miles away of course, which is a huge disadvantage, but I am fortunate enough to have a daughter who keeps me well informed about his doings and sends many pictures on a regular basis, and encourages him to talk to me on the phone.
Well, that is ten. And at this point, as my life is winding down, my favorite thing is remembering. I have been very fortunate all of my life. It has always been very full of love and happiness, and many good people.The best of all, my husband, Ralph. I could not have asked for more.
So, I guess I'll stay around a little longer and enjoy it. Whenever the good Lord wants me, I'll be glad to go, but until then, I'll try not to turn into a crabby old lady. I'll keep on keeping on, as they say, and I know one of the most important things to keep me happy will be my blogging friends. So - thanks.
