Wednesday, March 26, 2008

"Leo, act your age..."

You have no idea how much I heard that growing up. Daddy was always getting "reprimanded" by Mother for being silly. For having fun...too much fun.


I'm glad he was such a silly person though. He made the grandkids laugh, he made many people smile...and he rarely acted his age. And I am, undoubtedly, his daughter...
This past week-end I realized I am as old as I have ever been.( as seen on the T-shirt Rachael & Jeff bought for Brian's 21 st. birthday) I'm as close to 60 as I have ever been before. Yikes....



That's scary. I have never been bummed by my age - however, I have never acted my age, which would have been much to Mother's disappointment.



50 came and went with not even a thought. I still think I'm "middle aged" and remember, I don't "do" math, but if I am indeed in the middle, I guess I plan on living to the ripe old age of 116.

Geesh.
I watch TV and it tells me we should dress "appropriately for your age"..what the heck is that??

What does a 58-ish woman dress like? I know this one lives in T-shirts, jeans, hoodies and crocks. Is that too young for this age? Hmm...

I say I really don't care, but I guess I do.....otherwise I wouldn't be thinking about it now.

I still think of Senior Centers as where the old people go - that AARP is not going in my magazine bin...and the spots on my hands? Large-er freckles. The gray hair? Just a cool fashion statement. Bifocals? Hey, I have no-lined ones - no one even knows - until I forget them and have to not only squint..but to hold the book out waaay past my arm's length...

Hearing? I don't think I have a problem - my TV is not on the loudest number...it's just everyone speaks like they have cookies in their mouths...

Ah sweet youth. I'm not obsessed, really. I wouldn't want to go back there. I have come to an age where I am secure in my wisdom and my feelings. I like having had gone through all the "stuff" and coming out the other side practically unscathed.

But once in a while, I do look into the mirror and see someone other than what I think I should see. And I see old people smile at me as if I am one of them..the smile that says "Hi - maybe we could be friends..??" and I think yes, you could be like...... like.....my Mother...(don't think that's what they meant though..)

On my walk with the pups the other day, someone said "hi" and asked if I had retired...

....what????????

Uh...... no...you're kidding me, right??

Ahh well. Maybe that wouldn't be so bad. I mean if I am at the last quarter of my life (not half-time anymore...) maybe I should take the time to reflect on what's really important. What matters most. What I want to do for fun. Where I'd like to go. What I want to see. "Bucket list" sort of stuff.

Maybe not try so hard to please everyone - sometimes at my expense.

This is it.....this is what you get.....I am happliy....

"as is"


Thanks for visiting and listening to my rantings. I really do think of all of you as my friends. I love visiting you and having my coffee as I read of your lives, your great thrifting finds, you're children's accomplishments and your grand children's cute pictures.

Have a great fun-day and do something ......just for you!
-me

8 comments:

Senior Bowler-Carolyn said...

I am right there with you. I turned 60 in December and that is not so old...my MOM was ancient at 60...maybe not. I still can do what I did at 30 but maybe slower..well maybe not all the things. 40 years of smoking is taking it toll....you will never be old.....

The Feathered Nest said...

This post is GREAT, Colleen!!! You are so right! I remember my mother at my age and I thought dern you are ancient woman!!! Now here I am and in my mind, well, I'm that nineteen year old just getting married!! You are such a joy Colleen, we love you and your blog! xxoo, Dawn

Little Penpen said...

We are young... we are free.... keep living the fun life you have, Colleen. We're just getting better!

Anonymous said...

OMG You are hilarious! How much fun are you?? Got you off my Mom's blog (Ideally Me). Love to read your blogs!

Kentucky Bound said...

I absolutely LOVE your rantings, your humor and above all your honesty!

P.S. It is very fashionable to be retired in your fifties, you know!

Blessings!
Liz

supahmommy- somethin's wrong with that girl said...

Love your blogs. Your spirit is so ... sooo... what' s the word. Radiant.

Thanks for the sunshine sista.
d

Adeline Country Cottage said...

Darlin, I have had the best laugh ever, thank-you so much, I read this post enjoyed it so much I needed to read more, so down to the next post and so on, You are a scream Lady, have fun, be who ever you want to be and don't let anyone tell you or look...lol at you any different you are as young as you feel that's my motto, and I feel like I'm 20 but I'm really turning the big 4-0 this year, If you feel young, then it show's, you look young, and that Colleen you do, you look alot young than what you have written....So you go girl.

Hugs
Kirstie.

Cami said...

Are you looking to adopt?! I'm currently available w/ papers, potty-trained and I decorate divinely! I have sooo enjoyed your blog. Linked over from a lovely post about Irish doors. Love it when happenstance happens! Bookmarking you to keep my attitude in check!!!

Wanna see what I've been up to ??

 I always wanted a dollhouse. My dad was a carpenter and was asked by one of his wealthy customers to make a dollhouse for their daughter. I...