Yesterday, I slept in. I didn’t have a great night’s sleep and rather than get out of bed before 5 a.m. to take a walk before the heat hit, I stayed in bed. When I got out of bed at 6:30 a.m. it was already too hot to walk.
I decided I’d go to the gym. I needed exercise after all, so why not try something new? Mix it up a bit. I checked out the schedule of classes looking for something with dance. Zumba Gold sounded fun. I’d be inside a nice air-conditioned building. Plus maybe I’d like it and I’d keep going.
Then I read the description:
Easy-to-follow program that lets you move to the beat at a slower rhythm than a regular Zumba class!
No! Not for me. It’s probably filled with old people, I thought. I wouldn’t dream of going to that class.
Then, I thought about it again Maybe the class WAS designed for me. I have a bad knee and a hurt foot. I’m not 20 or 30 years old. I’m almost old enough for Medicare.
I made up my mind to check it out and see if the people in class WERE my age!
The plan was to see if it was filled with ancient people decades older than me. If so, I’d head to the elliptical machine and weights. Or, I could take the class anyway to see if I liked it.
Earlier, on my way to the grocery store, I was listening to the radio. The Eagles “Lyin’ Eyes” was playing. The DJ said the song came out 54 years ago! Say it ain’t so!
When it came time to go the gym, I felt unstable as the room spun around me. Vertigo. I get it every three or four years, fortunately not very often. Not a good idea to “move to the beat at a slower rhythm” at Zumba after all — no matter what the speed. I’ll try again on another day.
When have you been surprised about your age or realizing your not that young anymore?
All of these things have happened to me EA, and many more. Every so often another little reminder pops up and I have a “moment” or ten when I have to settle in and reach for acceptance. About 2 weeks ago, and I swear the change occurred overnight, the fine lines around my mouth became apparent. Not deep creases or those laugh line things, but the very soft changes in the skin as if all the collagen had been sucked out of my face overnight and the lower half of my face was gently morphing into alligator skin. I’ve stopped trying to anticipate what might be next but I know there’s so much more to come 🙂
Isn’t it something? But we have to be accepting, there’s really no other choice. Now I’m going to have to take a close look at my face. 😅
Hahaha!
😊
On the other hand, E.A. Wickham when old memories come up on social media of places, people, and events you have participated in…wonderful memories! Stick to this as the creaks remain. I did not sleep well either as I am worried about getting our home tented and the work ahead of us but on the other hand a short break in a place away. The heat is very hot but we did have rain yesterday which was much needed. I have not returned yet to my health club as this month has been very busy with appointments and getting things done. Sometimes it just is what it is.
Yes, sometimes it just is what it is. I did get out early for a walk when it was only 73 degrees. I have to take advantage of opportunities as they come. Otherwise I miss the chance. I do enjoy when memories pop up.
It is nice to see we were not just sitting around! I do exercises at home 30 minutes for my right hip to strengthen. It works! Also, walking with the pugs and training going on with Rasputin.
I got more exercise when I was dog sitting my daughter’s pug. I’m also going back to my PT exercises for my knee.
My hubby and I recently found ourselves in a city in which we lived when we were younger. It was so different- new stores, new roads, so much expansion. Hawaii was the same. We marveled at how we’ve gotten old enough to “remember when” in several different cities. We remembered hjownour grandparents used to talk about the same things. And I can relate to Deb… who is that woman in the mirror with the wrinkles all of a sudden? But boy, what a privilege. I have too many friend who died young and beautiful who didn’t get to see changes to their towns or kids. I try to remember with each new pain-in-the-joints that this is the desired alternative!
It definitely is the desired alternative and a privilege. I did get a walk this morning early and it was so beautiful. I’m grateful to start my day like that.
Lyin Eyes….54 years ago? Gulp! I have a similar reaction whenever the hubs and I watch Saturday Night Live and they talk about which season they’re on…approaching their 50th, I think. Gah! 😜
Oh my! 50th season of SNL? My hubby and I were talking about some SNL seasons with so much talent and fun characters like Rosanne Rosannadanna.
I remember! 😜
😅😉
When have you been surprised about your age or realizing your not that young anymore?
This a timely question for me. Just this week I realized that after going in and out of six stores [just darting into 3, moseying around in 3] I was exhausted & my back hurt. I came home, put my feet up, and drank a beer while pouting about how old I’ve become.
Ha! Don’t you hate it when that happens? I went shopping for my upcoming NY trip and was worn out after two stores. Then my arms hurt carrying one bag and my purse.
I get it… and sympathize.
I rarely or almost never clothes shop and it’s a lot of work getting dressed, undressed, dressed. And schlepping bags.
Ah… we are all going through this. Worse for celebrities whose life evolved around beautiful photos. Imagine how hard it must be for them?
Yes, I hadn’t thought about the celebrities before. That would be true for athletes, too. I have a friend who was an Iron Man competitor. She’d be in the top three for her age group. But she came to the point where she no longer improved and added time every race. She quit. Now she does her swimming and bike riding for fun.
I once read about this lady who lost a bunch of weight using some agency. The agency asked for her permission to use the before/after photos. The lady was so proud of her weight loss, she agreed. By the time she saw the billboard in her town with the before/after photo, she regained all the weight she lost and then some. She asked them to take it down (they wouldn’t…). Your example reminded me of her: imagine how hard it was for her?
Yes, life is hard. Too bad that looks play such a huge part in what people think. There are people though who are so happy as they age, sure they have aches and pains, but they make it “seem” like they don’t care about getting old. I want to be like them.
Me too.
That sounds terrible.
Beauty is on the inside right. We’re as young or old as we want to be, right. Ha, ha, or something like that. 🙂 🙂
Inside I feel young. I don’t feel any older than mid 30s. That’s what makes it so confusing when you come face to face with reality.
Yes, exactly.
I’m a few decades behind you, but I feel ancient when the 20s-something start talking in their own lingo language, or when my 3-year-old guesses my age to be “hmmm, maybe 100!!!” 😅
That’s funny. Yes, I had the same feeling about teens and 20s when I was in my 30s. It just gets weirder as you get older.
Cute picture!
Thanks!
Had one of those WHAT moments the other day. We were riding along and the DJ was playing Blondie’s Rapture and commented that Debbie Harry would be 80 next year. WHAT? OMG I am getting old.
OMG is right! How can that be?
Where did time go?
It seems to be going faster and faster every week.
I was surprised at my age the first time that I got on a bus and somebody got up to give me their seat.
Haha! That’s a good one. 😅
I’m so sorry about the vertigo, knee and foot. That’ll slow you down. But I swear, you don’t look much different than in that beautiful picture with your husband-to-be! Heal quickly!
That’s so sweet about the photo 😊 My foot is feeling better than last week and I had a gorgeous morning walk today! Vertigo is gone, too!
Yay!
👍🏼
What makes me realize my age? It isn’t the mirror, because it lies to me—but a photograph, eek!😬 You may find this odd, but since my knee surgery, not being able to properly squat to pee in the woods, ha!
If “Lyin’ Eyes” is 54, I must be truly ancient.
I totally get the knee! I had knee surgery after a ridiculous ski accident in Utah in 2018. I took a turn, one ski stuck in thick wet snow and my ACL popped and meniscus tore. I can’t believe how much that set me back. Or rather changed me. There was no getting back 100 percent. Haven’t tried to pee in the woods for decades ago, though 😅
Absolutely true regarding the pictures Eilene. Everything is revealed and it can be horrific 😉
Recently the woman who runs the bird banding project I work at in the summers gave a talk to the local bird club. One of her slides had a picture of a guy standing next to a mist net. I thought, “I don’t know him. She must have taken this at one of her other bird projects.” Then I noticed “the guy” was wearing MY sweatshirt! 🤦♀️
OMG!!!!
😆
I was at the grocery store yesterday and the clerk just gives me the senior discount without asking my age. Damn. That smarts. Hugs, C
That’s happened to me! Ugh
Oh I’m always very cognizant of my advancing years. Almost 63, I take pride in being active but still realize my limits.
Me too. I’m 64.
I think realizing our age gives us the advantage to choose what we can and cannot do.