1. I don’t like to go inside to the prescription counter at the drugstore for my refills because that’s where all the sick people congregate. I’m not a germ-a-phobe, but I do try to be sensible. Today, though, the drive-thru closed for remodeling. Only two people stood ahead of me in line and neither one coughed. Thank you, God. The woman at the head of the line had a problem so I had time to look at all the magazine covers under the counter. Cosmopolitan screamed “BEST SEX EVER!!” in gigantic letters right next to Weight Watchers and Cooking Light. I used to read Cosmopolitan before I had kids. I remember not wanting my mother to see it, but today’s cover goes way beyond trashy to inappropriate. I’m quite sure I’m not in their demographic anymore.
2. As I drove out of the drugstore parking lot, I looked at the Hardees next door. A big sign promoted a “Fried Bologna and Velveeta Biscuit.” I had to read it twice to be sure I saw it right. Yes, my friends, I do live in the South. True confession–I was tempted to try one. Bologna and cheese sandwich (not on white bread anymore) with potato chips on the side is one of my comfort foods. What? Don’t you have a secret junky comfort food?
3. The retired man I live with felt crummy yesterday and again this morning. Nothing serious, although any amount of illness is serious in his world. He can’t usually just sit around and do nothing so by this morning he needed a project. We are members of the Apple cult–laptops, phones, iPod, iPad and we use AppleTV for streaming Netflix, etc. He decided he wanted all the music in his iTunes account to be in the AppleTV thing so he could play music through the television. (Why?) He did it, after he finally got the right password for iTunes. The Cloud is a powerful and spooky mystery.
4. A while back, my family discussed inner age vs chronological age. At the time we ranged in age from about 30 to late 50’s. The young ones thought of themselves as close to their chronological age. I was at the other end of the age range and thought of myself as about 35. These days, at 62, I feel more like mid-40’s inside. I liked my 40’s—some maturity (and sobriety) and wisdom but still plenty of energy. I developed spunk and comfort with being myself. I still have those characteristics inside, including a somewhat warped sense of humor, but my body has slowed down. I know what I like and need and I appreciate the good things in my life. Time with my grandchildren makes anything negative disappear. Their delight at all the world offers them feeds my soul. And when they get grumpy or poopy, I can give them back.
5. Because of damage from years of rheumatoid arthritis, I periodically search for comfortable, attractive (or at least not ugly) shoes. I came across a blog recently called Barking Dog Shoes (barkingdogshoes.com). The blogger, Kirsten Borrink, has reviewed over 1000 pairs of shoes since 2007! Lately I’ve been looking for a walking shoe so I can walk outside. I’ve tried more than a few, but nothing just right yet. (Hint: if you order shoes online, you can wear them inside a bit and still return them for a full refund. Try to stay on rugs or carpet.) On the desk beside me is an ad I tore out of the Arthritis Today magazine for Gravity Defier. G-Defy, they call it. “Science in every pair!” “Feel weightless!” Here’s how I know I’m an optimist–I’ll probably order a pair. They just might be the ones. Kind of like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans for a 62-year-old body. Must be out there somewhere, right?
6. Most of the public schools in our county started today. (Some magnet schools run on other calendars.) Adaline started 4-year-old preschool today, too, at the same place she went last year. Her mom posted a picture on Facebook. At 4, Adaline knows how to “work it” for the camera. Cute, but a bit unnerving. She wore a purple jumper with a big turquoise peace sign on it. Back when I was wearing peace signs (late 60’s and into the 70’s) I didn’t imagine my grandchild wearing one the 1st day of school! Does that mean 80’s hair is in her future?
7. I drew from both Cosmo and Arthritis Today for this post. I think that adds up to groovy grey-haired grandma! (told you I had a warped sense of humor.)
Amma Ponders 