My Birthday Reflections

I have not been looking forward to this birthday because the big round number is, well, big. None of the other mile-stone birthdays have bothered me. I sailed right through them all. But now at 60, I feel old. Even my granddaughter said that was really old. So to change these negative feelings, I need to reflect on the positives about being 60. If I forget any, you may add them on in the comments.

• Senior discount in most restaurants and stores
• I'm older, I have more insurance (I love that line.)
• Forgetfulness is expected and forgiven
• I have my own teeth
• My hair is my natural color (thanks, Dad) with gray highlights
• I have all my own body parts that are essential (don't stress on this one)
• Respect for elders
• A head full of stories of "When I was a kid..."
• Many years racked up at work
• Nearing retirement when I get to choose what to do
• Don't have to ask permission to go to the bathroom
• Been there, done that, no thank you.
• A seat while others stand
• Selective deafness
• Ability to say NO, I'm not doing that...
• Elastic waistband pants
• Many good friends in the same age bracket
• Family
• The same husband for 38 years
• New phase in life where I can serve God in more ways

So as I have counted my blessings, I realize that reaching 60 is a big deal, and it really does mean I am old.

It's My Body

I am signing up to donate my body to science when I pass on. This morning I feel so rough that I'm wondering if they are on their way to my house right now. lol

Been Cubed

That is the name given to us by our son-in-law, D. He and H were with us when we went car shopping in Indy. We specifically were trying out the Cube by Nissan. I am pretty sure we have settled on a deal to buy one in red. Never owned a red car. I will have to be sure I keep it under the speed limit or it will become "Hello, officer, red." If all goes as planned, we will pick it up this Saturday. Hope it goes as planned! Pictures to follow.

Hubby's the Patient

Today my hubby has shoulder surgery to clean out some spurs, floating chips, and maybe rotater cuff tear. Pray that all goes well and that the surgery fixes his problem.

Reasons Why

Toots and I were walking back to the car after watching the high school football game and band performance when I told her I would be going on a mission trip to Barbados. She asked where that was? When I answered far, far away, she said, "I know, I know. I can't go with you because I always ask to go to the bathroom."

Please Watch

All of the fall shows on tv are competing for our attention. The teases that run like commercials are sometimes enticing me to watch, while others are overboard on their message. We are trying to watch all of our favorites from last year, but with the moving of the shows from this night to that, we are having overlap and have missed a show or two. Guess that is not earth shattering, but that's my story this morning.

Too Tired

Too tired to post much this morning. Guess my mind is in a little bit of a fog. Looking forward to having a day off next week for Labor Day, one where I don't have to make lesson plans for a sub!

Confession Is Good for the Soul

When Toots and I were leaving church on Sunday, she told me that she had confessed to her classmates and teacher about something bad she had done. She told the class that she had spit in her mommy's face (true story) and that Jesus doesn't want them to do that. They need to listen to Jesus's voice in their heads. Wow, she is maturing so much. We are very thankful about that. And we are very thankful for all the teachers who give of their time and talents to work with the children at church. I'm sure Toots would thank you too.

Did You Say Rain Today?

Can you believe all of this rain we are having? Yuk! Enough!! Send some to Texas where the trees are dying from no water. The predition is for thunderstorms today, Sat., Sun., Mon., Tues., and Wed. At least it should be above the 60s in temp. It's a little hard to swim in this weather.

Happy Father's Day, Dad

Father's Day was one of my dad's favorite holidays. It wasn't about the presents or the cards he received. He simply enjoyed the whole family getting together, eating favorite foods, talking, laughing, and telling jokes. As he aged, he participated less each year. But he wouldn't be far from the action, sitting in a comfortable chair, listening intently to all that took place. My dad passed away 18 months ago. He enjoyed a long 88 years and 62 Father's Days.

All Pain, No Gain

I only have a few days of vacation left before I have to go back to teaching school. I had so many things on my list that I wanted to accomplish while off these few days. But I'm not sure if I will get many of them done. I have a pinched nerve in my lower back that affects my right hip and leg. While laying down, no problem. But as soon as I get up the pain begins. I'm already taking large doses of ibuprophen. And the worse part of it all is that my chiropractor is also on vacation.

And We Celebrate

We had great plans to go out to eat and see a movie for our anniversary. And maybe do a little last minute shopping. But, the freezing rain prevented any of that from happening. Guess the movie will still be there when we do get to go. And the restaurant will still be open when we do get to go. Sitting home with a football game on tv pretty much sums up our entertainment for the night. I'll have to ask hubby who won since I couldn't make it through the final minutes. But then, it doesn't really matter. It was just a football game.

Visiting with the Family

We had a great evening last night visiting with hubby's sister and husband from Michigan. They stopped in on their way to their winter home in Florida. We had a chance to catch up on all the news on both sides of the family, share pictures, stories, and such. Wish we had more time to share before they head south. The three of our children were able to make it in to see them. Don't know how long it has been since we have all been together, perhaps 5 years ago at grandma's funeral. Life is too short in some ways.

Update

Ok, I'm feeling better/worse. Confused? I'm feeling pain in areas that I didn't know that I hurt. For the most part, the broken rib pain has subsided unless I cough or sneeze or hiccup or move the wrong way or lift my right arm or move the arm backwards or bend over or twist either way. Really, it doesn't hurt as much. I just have to remember not to move the wrong way, lift my arm, move the arm backwards, twist or bend over, and stiffle the cough, sneeze, and hiccups. IF I can manage that, I feel great!

Hair-Care Product Confusion

There must be millions of people who wear glasses or contacts to correct vision. So why is it that hair-care products such as shampoo and conditioner are produced in similar packaging with only a variation in color? I do not wear my glasses in the shower. So how can I read the much-too-small print that identifies the bottle as shampoo or conditioner? Must I remember that the lighter color is the conditioner or is it really the shampoo? Must I squirt out a small amount and use the scientific method to determine which product is which? Must I reserve a place in the shower for the shampoo and a completely different one for the conditioner? I believe I will begin a campaigne to the companies who evidently do not have this problem in the shower with their hair-care products. Print a large S on shampoo and a large C on the conditioner. We who cannot read in the shower would be so thankful.

Blue Hairs Special

Our family went out to eat and celebrate the birthday of my husband. We arrived at a famous restaurant and received two menus, one being the Early Bird Special. My husband was impressed at the savings on the meals until we saw that the choices were quite limited. That being said, I ordered a four ounce steak from the Early Bird menu. All the other items such as salad bar came with the discounted meal. I was surprised when the steak arrived to see that it was almost the same size as the steaks of the others in our party and was more than enough meat for me. As you get older, it becomes easier to accept the ammenities offered to the "blue hairs" and not be offended. In fact, we blue hairs become entitled. If you are not understanding this part of my blog, guess you will just have to wait till you are closer to my age. Then you will fully comprehend.

Getting Older

Today is my husband's 59th birthday. Somehow that sounded so old, but now? Sounds normal and just fine. Happy birthday, hubby!

State Fair

We went to the State Fair today, a tradition in our family. I have been attending since I was a kid, which equates to many, many years ago. We continued the tradition by taking our children to the fair every year. I was so intent on introducing my 3 children to all the sights and sounds of the farm scene and offering them unique situations that few kids had. Well, today, my daughters were with me at the fair. Many times they each remarked that they didn't remember this or that or even some of the huge highlights and landmarks. I was shocked! How could they not remember the fiddling contest that we attended yearly? How could they not remember the Dairy Barn where we got the best ice cream? How could they not remember the cockroach races in the Purdue building? And how could they forget meeting Buckeye and Molly from the Popeye and Janie show? Hopefully, our granddaughter will remember.

Pool of Fun

Every afternoon this week I have gone to my sis-in-law's house to get in the pool. My sis, two sisters-in-law, and me are attempting water activities to burn some calories and have fun. The four of us are enjoying talking, exercising, drinking left-over strawberry punch (NOT spiked), and trying not to eat left-over brownies. The exercise is good for my sis who has had several strokes. She says she is feeling stronger and has more endurance. I'm getting more brown and my hair is getting lighter, kind of matching the gray that is peaking out. Perhaps today I will find some tapes for us to use to inspire more activities. Then perhaps I will search for the left-over brownies.

Ouch!

Went to have allergy testing done today. Wow, had a reaction, had an asthma attack so couldn't finish it today. Have to return for the last part tomorrow. That will make 3 days in a row that I have had to travel to their office. So much for saving gas this week.