I'm still alive and well at 76 and still work 2 to 6 days a week, as needed. I always said I'd reconsider retirement at 75; now I say I'll reconsider at 80. I love to work, especially in health care, as I can make a real difference to my patients quality of life. I still laugh and sing every day; dance too, though a bit slower.
A lot of niggling little health issues have kept me away for about 19 months, but, I’ve dodged the major problems that often come with age: Heart, cancer, stroke, and diabetes have so far passed me by… So far.
What I’ve discovered is; Getting older ain't for wimps.
In Feb of 2014 I had all my lower teeth extracted after 4 abscesses that had caused constant sinus infections for 2 years. The dentist: “Gee, I never noticed that before but I don’t think teeth would cause that…” In the last 19months I only had 1 sinus infection.
A few of you know the last year and a half have been a challenge for me as my cataracts overcame my eyesight. Reading and writing became difficult if not impossible. I had the surgery in July. It has a 99% success rate but I was in the 1%.
On the 29th I had PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) also called ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation). For someone who loves to read and write this has been a real trial. I was warned of extreme pain and a slow recovery: Weeks, months, maybe a slow year.
A little background. You know I'm 70: No secret. I was raised in a suburb of a large Midwestern city that had no city water, so when our suburb was built (started late 30s, our home built 1940, I was born '43) so everything was set up around community wells, about 12 to 15 homes to each well. So, no fluoride in the water. Also the Gene fairy was unkind to both sides of my family. Both my parents hat their teeth removed in their early 30s, before I was born. I never knew them without dentures.
On my birthday I quit my part time jobs with 2 separate Podiatric practices. Well, I tried anyway. I was told by each doctor that he would accept my resignation only if I would agree to come in as a consultant as needed but that I wouldn't have to work a regular schedule. One of them gave me a second job doing something I only did informally for him before.
I tried to go from 4 jobs to 2, but now it feels like 5. I guess it's nice to be wanted at my age... But, geez, guys.
Today is the big 70 for me, and all things considered, it beats the heck out of the alternative. Those who knew me as a teen looked at me, shook their heads and said, "That crazy SOB will never see 30". Well to all of them: Raspberries!
I'm still around and going strong, and whats more I've had fun every day of my life. Though I gripe and bluster a bit on occasion, What's the point of being 70 if you can't be a little curmudgeonly once and a while? But I want you all to know that I love and respect everyone here and that you are all my adopted family.
Dorothy and I have been talking about starting a support group for those of us who want to shed some weight. I've tried some groups online and they've not been much help. They don't understand us or our special needs. At one when I admitted my age, I was told politely that the group was for younger people. At another when I foolishly revealed myself to a woman who I thought had become a friend, she outed me to everyone and I was asked to leave.
RL's been a bitch this summer, and I've said and done things that have hurt people I care for. Time to go away and try try to find the calm center in my storm (again).
Someone I like and who's judgement I trust says I should say that. She didn't volunteer it: I asked for her opinion and she was kind and brave enough to give it.
In a recent blog you mentioned re-reading an older story. That reminded me of what a marvelous repository of excellent fiction we have here at Big Closet. Erin and the other Admins. are to be thanked for what they have provided here.
I often read stories that are many years on the site. But, you know, they're all new when you read them for the first time. I like to thank the author by signing in and giving a Kudos for each chapter: It takes little time and effort and gives them a thank you for their work.
If you're coming to Louisville for the Derby Saturday, Please come a day early and attend "The Oaks" on Friday. It's a wonderful event billed as "Fillies, Lillies and More" to honor breast cancer survivors. Go here for pictures and information: http://www.kentuckyderby.com/kentucky-oaks . All attendees, both women and men, are encouraged to wear pink. Hey, no problem here!
Authors note:When I started this blog, I thought I could cover all the information and my experiences in one blog: Yeah right! So I've just covered Adolescent/Pubertal Gynecomastia here and it's still too long!
In my first part of my blog I promised to post my reasons for choosing the symbol for Aleph Null as my avatar. I've taken it from a Novella to a short story by just skipping a jot of stuff, but it's still a bit long. So I'll post it here and leave a link to the original Blog.
I've been a member here for 6 years and 33 weeks, but only became active in July of last year after I retired. Between then and this July I made some wonderful friends who I hope will last a lifetime. For them I will always be grateful to BCTS. I'm sure in that time I annoyed some people too and for that I am truly repentant.
One of our friends, and a huge asset to BCTS, has come upon troubled water in her life and needs a bridge to help her across. WE CAN BE THAT BRIDGE! Erin and I have been working behind the scenes to try to help this shining "Silver Girl" who has given so much of herself to help others without asking for anything in return.
When I first came to this site I was prepared to, and did admire you, Erin. You are, after all, a successful, intelligent and articulate woman. But, in time, I realized that you were also controlling, unbending and not open to the views of others.
Checks can be made out & sent to:
Joyce Melton
1001 Third St.
Space 80
Calimesa, CA 92320
USA
Note: $6000 is the operating, maintenance and upgrade budget. Amounts received in excess of the $6000 will be applied to long term debt accrued over the last 19 years.
