I have decided that my body has decided that my brain is too bored so that it plays games with me just so I can laugh and keep on my toes. For instance, in my youth, I was unaffected by food temperature or even spicy heat. Now, if I am cold (Arizona restaurants almost always overcool) and have a drink with an ice cube or two, my teeth start chattering. Conversely, even a cinnamon candy can make me sweat instantly all around my hair line. I have less hair on my head where I do want it and a few extra ones in places I don't want it.
I remember in great detail things that happened in the distant past, yet can't seem to remember to pick up trash bags at the store unless I make a list. I am better at Jeopardy, but not so good at Name That Tune (Unless it's an oldie.) My self directed humor is intact, but my tolerance for political commentary is close to zero.
I am old enough to have seen the fruits of forty years of labor as a teacher, and to have seen a culture transformed both for the better and the worse. And I am old enough to remember the innocence of youth. We really thought that we would be the generation to end war, to embrace peace and love, and to reject materialism. We had folk music which meant something. I feel sorry for kids who are lacking meaningful or even humorous music about the world and its people, not just about drugs, alcohol, tobacco, s*x and crime.
I care about what some people think, but I used to care about what everyone thought until I figured out that no one can please everyone. I now know that what is most important in raising kids are the memories you create and only a few things that you spend money on. I know that most parents don't realize this until their kids are grown.
The longer I live, the more spiritual I become, not because I am closer to the end, but because I have. experienced so much.
The older my friends have become, the less superficial they get.
But as always, I am a smorgasbord kind of gal. I believe that variety is the spice of life and I have friends of all ages, both genders, many different lifestyles, in many countries on all continents and of all races. They make me rich. And occupations? Except for thief, I have among my personal facebook friends a rich man, a poor man, a beggar and a doctor, a lawyer and yes even two Indian chiefs (although they are now called tribal chairs).
So happy birthday, Irene. You are graduating from Trombones to Sunset Strip. Say hi to Kookie Ed Byrnes, Roger Smith and Efrim Zimbalist, Jr. Meet the highbrows and the hipsters. You are the private eye. And me? I am hanging out with Paul Mc Cartney, losing my hair, with grandchildren on my knee (Vera, Chuck and Dave) and yes, I'll still be sending a Valentine!