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Christi Diggs
on May 23 2013 - 06:00 AM
A drop of spin, a cup of deception and tsp. politics=Apathy
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Lindsay Metcalf
on May 22 2013 - 06:00 AM
When that tornado siren sounds, I'm in the basement
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mara williams
on May 21 2013 - 06:00 AM
Summer break has this mom on a house upkeep war path.
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- mr. stinky feet - Profile | Pictures | Blog
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Yesterday I turned 46. No big whoop, people do it every day. That just puts me on the older end of dads of three-year-olds, but I don’t mind. My old man paved the way for me – he was 48 when I was born. And like him, I kind of relish the role. I feel like what I lack in muscle, agility and hair density, I make up with insight and wisdom – or maybe it’s just cynicism and a general disregard for convention that I’m mistaking for wisdom.
One of the many things my father taught me is that old dogs can learn new tricks – that you don’t have to roll over and surrender to life just because your skin sags and your hair turns grey. He was living proof that you are as youthful as you choose to be. This came from a man who was thrilled to receive a pair of Roller Blades on his 72nd birthday and blissfully skated off down the driveway.
To hear people moan and groan about aging, you’d think they were the only ones who have experienced it. Yes, it's a drag and it's painful sometimes, but it’s one of the many things we have in common as humans. God willing, aging and all of its humble glory happens to all of us. It’s the price we pay for having vaccines and antibiotics and orthopedic surgeons that allow us to stay mobile and live twice as long as our ancestors. I’m quite positive that had I lived a thousand or even a hundred years ago, a puny guy like me would have been picked off long ago by natural selection.
With the wisdom of our aging come some realities about our bodies that we all eventually must face. No surprises, really, just the stuff you have to suck up. Of course, my eyes don’t read the small print on pain reliever bottles quite so well. The ever-widening patch of skin that appears through my scalp looks like an alien-made crop circle or a permanent yarmulke. And the eruption of sun spots (otherwise known as “liver spots”) on my face, arms and hands is startling.
Also, I've arrived at the age where I'm finding crumbs tucked in the creases at the edges of my mouth long after I've eaten. I had a college professor with the same affliction. We used to make fun of him. Karma stings, doesn’t it?
But, the big reality is this: my bare legs no longer need to be seen in public. After years of performing on hot summer days in cargo shorts and sandals, I’ve decided that kids and their parents can do without seeing my bony and pallid shins and scar-riddled knees. Besides, baggy shorts and tanned skin are best left to the skater boys.
I’ll have you know that in the eighth grade I was voted as having the “Best Legs” by my classmates – beating out all the girls. My celebrated gams have had their time in the limelight, but that was 32 years ago. And now, after years of sun damage and three knee surgeries, it’s time to let it go. But even with these stark realities of the flesh, I embrace growing older, but resolve to never grow up.
Happy Birthday! I vote keep wearing shorts--your scars telling the tale of living life to the fullest.Happy belated! I too look forward to every moment as it comes. Growing older never bothered me much, although I will say I could do without the weight gain and the bingo wings--but gray hair, wrinkles, etc.? Who cares? Most days I'm happy to be alive, and I love looking at things through the eyes of people much, much younger than me. As for being an "older" dad--times have changed. My DH's grandfather's parents were in their 40s when he was born, and all he ever remembered was old parents. So you're right--you're as young as you want to be, and with people living longer, become a parent in your 40s isn't nearly as big a deal as it was a hundred years ago. Enjoy your kids! And I'm with mom21--show off those legs!Happy Birthday, Jim! I think you are as young as you feel, and I think you've got a great reason for feeling and acting young with what you do for a living! I know that I as a parent appreciate your work! Also, I'm a few years behind you, but find that it's easier to read in bed at night without my glasses (I'm nearsighted)! And yes, the print on those bottles is just getting too small! Happy Birthday, again!
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