I forgot to mention I had a birthday. I’m 69 now. And damn glad to see it. Aging happily is the gift of having cancer in your 40s. Everything after that is gravy.
As I once wrote, “Sometimes I imagine that I carry around cancer in my pocket like an emergency dollar bill. And sometimes I just have to reach in my pocket and fish it out to remind me that every minute of every day is a gift.”
Even if you haven’t had cancer, you’ve most likely lived through adversity, and it’s my contention we can reframe our sad experiences to remind us of our strength and resilience. Adversity is in our pocket, too.
While it was not exactly pocket-worthy, I did have to pump myself up a bit after I fumbled in the final round of our golf tournament. I still came in second … or as they say in the pageants, runner-up! No tiara for me, but I was hoping I’d play a little better in the final stretch.
So, whew, I’m glad that’s over. In this final stretch of life, I find that competition is overrated. Now is the time on Sprockets when we dance!
Of course, I mean that figuratively, because you know, pain and inflammation and all that. But here we are. Still at it. Finding joy no matter what. Dancing with bad knees.
The aging body is wont to crap out, but I have vowed I will not be part of the club that recites their ailments like baseball stats. Bone-on-bone … that’s my personal favorite. It’s actually a drinking game for old people. Every time someone says bone-on-bone, you take a shot of your protein shake.
I’m sticking with my physical therapy and will save my whining for a professional.
We went to Walgreens to get the new Covid vaccine, and for the first time, we had to check-in using our phones to scan a QR code. We don’t know nothin’ about QR codes. Dale can barely use his phone to text hi, and I say that as his loving partner of 45 years.
It was an unpleasant experience at best. Low-grade profanity was involved, but we finally got it done, and I had to apologize to the pharmacy assistant for my rant about serving old people with technology designed by and for young people. Oh, sorry about you wanting to stay alive, but we’ve got this little test for you first.
I do think she was a little rough on the arm. Note to self: Be nice to the people who poke you.
A good number of you have expressed an interest in volunteering – learning more about my personal journey toward deciding what to do – and reaping the rewards of any pearls of wisdom I may uncover during this quest. Did I mention this time of life is also filled with disappointment? As in you will be disappointed I have nothing new to share.
Well, that’s not completely true. I seem to be very good at talking myself out of potential opportunities. Children scare me, animals are unpredictable, I don’t want to go into anyone’s home, I don’t want to actually talk to anyone, no closed up spaces where I’ll catch any virus that’s going around, I can’t sit all day, I can’t stand all day. I’m sure you understand.
I thought it would be good to ask people I know if they volunteer … how they got into it, etc. But I’m probably not wording it right. They seem a wee bit defensive, mostly because nobody I’ve asked so far said yes.
Anyway, my current strategy is to keep browsing through charity websites, volunteer message boards and the like to see if anything sounds doable. I’m hoping I just haven’t seen the right thing yet. My calling is yet to be revealed! In the meantime, I increased my monthly contribution to the food bank to atone for my lackluster performance.
Here in Japan, they love their QR codes. Most every company has a web site, but you can never learn the URL because flyers, ads, etc., only ever provide some QR code. I hate my cell phone (and everyone else`s too), and proudly only use it to call my husband if I need a translation or — mostly — to take pictures. All other computer business takes place on my trusty laptop. Also, I have a real life with real people in it, so no social media.
But my time is running out. It is very frustrating to try and find out more about something I find online that only provides a QR code and I am sitting on my laptop. I see an article a month about people wanting to detox from their phone, and I believe them. So, I have never wanted to become addicted to it. Luckily, nothing about it tempts me (the little bitty screen, all greasy from using a finger). But this QR thing where I am living is creating a while new digital divide. And it seems so unnecessary. It`s not like everyone around me is getting more efficient and organized for it.
“I hate my cell phone and everyone else’s, too.” Absolute perfection.
I felt a little better about QR codes knowing it’s not just us. The worst of it was having to type in all our information on the phone. Old fingers don’t like that.
We rarely dine out, and so far, we haven’t had to face the menu with a QR code. Neither one of us will hold up well in that scenario.
Happy birthday Donna! You are already volunteering by devoting time to this blog. Thank You so much. You touch upon many subjects that resonate with many. Great job!
For me, each day is a blessing and I’m truly grateful.
Be well
Thank you. You made my day! You are right on about blessings and being grateful.
I volunteer at an historic home; I’m a docent who gives tours (only 45 minutes), take tickets at door for various events, decorate for the holidays and do the occasional dusting vacuuming (as I feel like it). The best thing about volunteering (other than feeling good about oneself) is that you can say “Nope, not that” when asked to do something you don’t want to do. The power of “no” after years of working and not be able to say that is very freeing. I’m sure you’ll find something to do that pleases you if you want to.
You’ve given me another perspective regarding volunteerism. I’ve been thinking it has to help the most needy, but anything that contributes to the community in a positive way would be a great thing to do. Thank you!
The concept of cancer as an emergency dollar bill tucked into a pocket chimed. Life has been challenging of late, and I am very much leaning into this gratitude practice.
Loving what Barbara said about volunteering. Should I get to the point of not working, it’s the type of thing which would appeal to me.
I’m so sorry life has been more challenging than usual, but I’m pleased my little offering helped. It works for me! Hope things improve soon for you.