Getting Old is Really a Bitch

September 10

You can't help it, you can't stop it, and it happens to everyone. But I HATE IT!! I've been getting older my whole life -- so what brought this on?

Just recently -- 3 things. First of all, I've just had a birthday and I hate to say it but I'm 61 years old (best thing -- I get into movies cheaper!!). Really....is this the picture of a 61 year old? At least I am always looking for the next adventure -- even if it hurts me.

Secondly, I had a great dinner with some IBM friends and spouses who I worked with in Kalamazoo, MI. This was when I first joined IBM, and this was my first location with IBM. I made some very good friends that I have stayed in touch with over the last 30 years. One of the group owns a restaurant with his son and we all met there, had a great time, and took a picture to commemorate the occasion. And then I looked at the picture.

Wrinkles, wrinkles, wrinkles....YIKES!! When I look in the mirror, I don't see the wrinkled face (mostly because my eyes are now so bad, they can't see the wrinkles). Not to mention the fact that I am much heavier than I would like. I've got this spare tire around the middle, and when I wear clothing that clings a little, I wear special support garments (you women know what I'm talking about). It's rather like stuffing a sausage. Okay....I know that's not a pretty picture.

Third reason -- I am renting this cute little house in Sparta, GA. For a reduction in the rent, I also keep up the yard. OMG!! This yard is way bigger than I thought it was, and grows way faster than my yard in Ellijay. So almost every week, I'm mowing. After several hours of pushing my little electric mower, my back is killing me, my hip hurts, and my hands are cramping. All the symptoms of me not being 40 years old any more. I can't sit for an hour and get up to walk without limping away.

As they say, there are 2 things we can't avoid -- taxes and getting older (I just didn't want to say "death"). And I'm hoping to take after my mother (who at 84 is extremely active) -- that I have another 30 years to get older and to enjoy the life I have.