Watching TV a week or so ago I heard a group of people talking about recording television programs to watch at a later date sans commercials. Once you decide to watch the program you can skip through the commercials to get to the good stuff. You see the commercials are necessary to pay for the television shows. The commercials also pay the bills and make money for the stations.
This got me thinking about life. So most of the people reading this post are either in their late 50’s or you are over 60 years old. We have been spending most of this life in commercials. In other words, we have been working to keep going, to keep ourselves and or our family in a home or apartment with food and clothes and small luxuries. Most of us have been working the majority of our lives. Some people have stayed home to raise a family until the children have grown and left to go out on their own. Some are single parents and work while raising the children. Some like me, have done both. I worked in-between college degrees and worked with my husband after I got married. When my first son was born I stayed at home to raise him. My second child came along and I raised him until the age of seven when I got a part-time job and later a full time job. So I’m just wondering when do we get to the good stuff?
I used to think … everything would be great when I got married. Then, everything will be perfect. Everything will be great when I have a baby. We will all be a happy family as soon as we have the second child to keep the first child company. All will be perfect when I pay off all of those nagging bills. When I get that new car … everything is going fine. When I buy that house with the swimming pool then, we will be perfect. Wait until I start working out and lose those extra pounds I put on after I had the baby then life will be perfect. Work, work, wait , wait.
Well, by now I have FINALLY figured out that there are a lot of commercials to get through to get to “THE GOOD STUFF” It’s about time. Sure there are always going to be some of that “bad stuff happening” to get to the good stuff. However, speaking for myself there is more good stuff now than there has been in the past. WHY? I think, believe it or not, that, that old saying is true. Could it be that I am finally getting older and wiser? I am my own boss for the last few years so thank God I don’t hate my boss anymore and guess what? … She really appreciates all of the hard work I do for the company. If I make a mistake she doesn’t even yell … she totally understands that I have a lot going on in my life. The really great part of being over sixty is that you care what other people think … but really, only a tiny bit. Do I like to look my best? Sure I do, but do I fret if my outfit isn’t perfect … or my hair or makeup like I used to fret about everything when I was 25. No, I don’t. If I have an opinion I can express it. If you don’t like it or if you don’t like me … my, that’s a shame, but I really don’t care.
I had a great dear friend for 40 years. She lives in another state however, we spoke on the phone several times a month and we would visit back and forth almost every year. Last year, she stopped speaking to me. I have no idea why. I tried and tried to find out what I did that could have upset her. I thought and thought, but I couldn’t come up with anything. I continued to call and sent her birthday and Christmas wishes. Finally, I called and asked her what happened and why she was so angry? She said, “It isn’t one thing. It is many, many things and don’t call me again.” Holy Cow, I can’t imagine why she said that … I treated her just like a sister. That was it for me. I was and am totally confused but not upset anymore. I took all of her information off my phones and computer and used black marker to wipe her off of my address book. I was a great friend to her for 40 years. This would have struck me to the bone in my 40’s or maybe 50’s. NOT NOW! I thought it through and I was only a terrific friend to her. Fini! Finished, over. So great being over 60. Life is short and I know it now. I am saving sadness and sorrow for really, really bad stuff. I am not going to waste time being miserable anymore. Sorry I don’t have time for that.
There is so much more “good stuff “to still be looking forward to in the future. Guess what, ladies and gentlemen? Just heard, this week on television, that there is a new poll out of men and woman over 70 years of age. Looking back, they asked men and women at what age sex was the most satisfying and enjoyable for them. The majority of the men in the poll stated that 63 was the most enjoyable time for them and for woman it was 66! Surprised? I was. Not too surprised however, because so much of the pressure is over. Women can’t get pregnant. No more periods! For me the very best part of old age! Menopause is over. Body isn’t perfect, heck, so what … if you don’t like it, date someone else. Men are more comfortable with themselves as well and often they have some money in the bank and are either at the top of their profession or they are getting ready to retire. No more little kids opening the door at night or in the morning. No more babies to feed and change.
I’m starting a wine club in my building next month. The first party is at my apartment. Just signed up to volunteer at a children’s home. I am going to freshen up my French taking a course on line. I just knit a darling scarf and I’m on a new one. I am thinking of getting a part-time job while writing this blog and keeping my small business going. I still want to write a book and maybe a movie in the next two years. Going to start working out at the gym in my building and going to get my hair and nails done next week. Oh By THE WAY, next week I’m going to be 66! Just saying…. In other words, this is the TIME FOR THE GOOD STUFF!!!
Until Next Week…
Is There Sex After 60? (Navigating Single Life After 60) 