CRABBY OLD PEOPLE

Aging doesn’t always feel good.  But it seems to bring wisdom and balance.  People are living longer as societies are getting grayer.

There really are some great things about aging.  I’m enjoying being 72 and 1/2 (except for a few recent and weird health issues)  (My mouth is about 90% better since August).

My favorite part of aging?  No alarm clock.  I’m no longer a morning person so I plan my life after 11:00 am.  Well, one day a week I get up at 7:00 am to take the boys to school.  Mom takes them two days and Dad takes them two days so I volunteered for Fridays.  They have this down to a science and after a nice breakfast we are out the door at 7:45.  Luckily I take Mr. 13 to the elementary school where Mr. 10 goes as he prefers to catch that bus to middle school because  it arrives 10-15 minutes early so he can socialize.  I do set a Friday alarm.

Being retired allows me to be grateful for even the small things in life.  No more rushing around to fight the traffic to get to work. I always leave early for appointments so if there is road work I don’t panic.  I enjoy the scenery along the way … even the Oregon rain. (Especially thankful for GPS in case my sightseeing causes me miss a turn, she simply reroutes me)(In a kind voice).  I have a handicap placard that often reserves a spot for me, if needed. (Two artificial knees)

My social friendships are more purposeful.  I no longer entertain and especially not more than 8 at a time.  Maybe this winter I will use our Clubhouse and kitchen and entertain a bit more.  One room is like a large living room with a gas fireplace and a buffet shelf for plugging in crockpots for soup and salad night.  Or sparkling wine and desserts.  Although now it will probably need to be daytime events since most of us no longer drive at night.

The WLLO Village is a perfect way to select a few friends and acquaintances to visit in person.  I’m still working my way out of being a Covid introvert.  I do quite a bit of volunteering with them as long as I’m not the person in charge.  It’s all volunteers and it’s hard to make them follow- up on their commitments.  We’ve had two hosts “forget” they signed up for a Zoom event so I’m thinking I will now need to remind them a day or two before.  IF they didn’t mark their calendar, I have them find their own replacement.

Grandsons.  Best thing about aging!  I’m on Facebook and I love when each day they show something I posted 5 or more years ago.  My 14 year old as a 2 year old playing golf with an upside down pink flowered cane on my patio.  The 10 year old being 18 months, playing in a bubble bath cheering “bubbles” over and over.  I’m so lucky to be able to have us all live together.  

And don’t forget Senior Discounts!  Even though the age requirement is much higher than when my parents were retired, it’s still a thrill to me to get 10% off groceries or something free when I order a fast food burger or salad.

In fact, there are several Ted Talks and articles about older people being happier.  Here’s an 11 minute version by psychologist Laura Carstensen:

https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_carstensen_older_people_are_happier?subtitle=en

Labor Day Weekend

I had my second root canal, tooth 13, fixed last Tuesday.  On Friday I got a toothache.  After hours on a holiday weekend.  Hmmm, can I keep it at bay til AFTER Labor Day.  No.  By Saturday my cheek was swollen and Aleve/Tylenol wasn’t keeping the pain in check.  My wonderful dentist came in at 11am to take a look.  He decided it was an infection at tooth 13.  He prescribed 14 days of Amoxocillin and Norco, a pain reliever.

(The spot above my left eyebrow was from dermatologist)

He said to give him a call if I didn’t feel some relief by Sunday. It was ten times worse on Labor Day so again, he met me.  By then I was feeling and seeing hard nodules in several places.  He had me double up on the pain pills (I decided I was so loopy I should write down WHEN I took what) and call the endodontist Tuesday morning.  (He wondered why I didn’t call him in the first place but since I wasn't sure WHICH tooth it was …)  The pain was much, much better but he had me come in for a check.  BIG infection that he had to lance and drain and it was almost immediate relief.  FINALLY on my way to recovery.  (Endo gave me his cell number for emergency)

I cancelled every appointment for my mouth until further notice.  Those teeth were so angry.  I cancelled every medical appointment for September.  I might just cancel October!!!

School started Tuesday for Deacon, grade 5.  So far he loves it EVEN homework and reading time!  Soccer is Mon, Tues and Sat for him.  Braeden didn’t start until Weds as they let the newbies wander around without people laughing at them (or whatever).

Kate’s new boss advised her NOT to work on Weds and Thurs due to high temps (she already has Friday off for paperwork.  Deacon’s school is closing tomorrow at 1pm due to heat/humidity.  Braeden’s school has a/c.

It's Saturday afternoon now. I no longer need pain pills but I take Aleve and Tylenol every day.  Still have a week's worth of antibiotics.

How did you spend YOUR Labor Day weekend??

UGH

 Sorry.  Next week.  Side effect of second root canal!

More next week when my brain fog has lifted.