"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?"
That is my grandmother's favorite saying. She will be 85 in less than two weeks, but you'd never know it. She has a little trouble getting around because of arthritis, but her mind is young and sharp. There are two things my grams does everyday, and has ever since I can remember.
1. Complete the daily crossword puzzle in the paper
2. Go to the bar to hang with her friends.
She seriously does this everyday, whether she feels like it or not. Now, my grams lives in a very small town, and I think she is the oldest resident there. Her friends range in age from teenagers to senior citizens. Everybody loves her!
I've been thinking a lot about getting older lately. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think I'm "old" by any means. But we all have times in our lives where we take stock. We think about all the things we haven't accomplished that we had hoped to by whatever age. But this got me thinking about the things that I have accomplished that I never even thought about trying. Riding being the most obvious for me.
A couple of weeks ago I put together a party at work. It was a 30 year high school reunion. It was funny to see how the people who showed up right on time were dressed very professionally and seemed rather stuffy. They all looked like they graduated 30 years ago, or more in some cases. Then about an hour after the party started a group of bikers come wandering in. Laughing, full of life, leathers and all. You could tell these guys enjoyed their lives. And they looked young, in fact some of them so young that I actually stopped them to make sure they were supposed to be at this 30 year reunion. They were, and it was a good thing, because I noticed how once they got there the stuffed shirts loosened up a bit. It was like they suddenly realized that just because they were the class of '79 graduates didn't mean they had to act like they were past all the fun.
Doing something you love keeps you young. It can be anything that makes you happy, whatever it is don't let it go. Health, finances, or family can alter how you enjoy it, but no matter what find some way to enjoy it.
So my friends....How old are you, REALLY?
Talers Tales.
3 years ago
15 comments:
I enjoyed this when you told me about it. I believe this with every fibre of my being...it's just simply true and all about a state of mind.
More than anything it's about not being corraled into the life and behavior that others THINK you should be in.
Good. I needed this today....oh yeah...I figure I am about 11 or 12 right about now. I can't wait for puberty to kick in.
Mentally I still keep thinking someones gonna come tell me 'your past curfew' get home..
Dave, Willy and I will just keep hiding out behind the school bleachers till we get caught.
And then The three of will us act all innocent....and blame it all on you..;]
I keep telling myself that I'm in my 20's even though I'll be 41 this year. I love to have fun so that's what I believe keeps me young.
I still feel like I'm in my 20's most days. Except now I have the affliction known as "Wii-knee". Not fun.
Your grandmother sounds awesome!
There's days I'm still 18 at heart.
There's days I feel 100.
its all a state of mind!!! and hey, bigD, shit lmao, i got the pink slip behind the bleachers in Kgrade, whats up with the girl getting the wrap huh?!?...lol....my mom never let me slide on that... :) lmao...it was my fault but still... ;)
Great post. Your grandma sounds like a fantastic person. Wouldn't mind going to bar with her once.
Dave, great observation, IMHO. Not being corralled. Exactly.
Four years ago, if someone were to ask me, I would have said I was really 50. Chronologically I was 39. Now, I'm going on 25!
Two thumbs up to freedom and biking!
I've always believed that your only as young as you feel. Your happiness can go a long way in helping out with that feeling. Folks who dwell on the negative... aren't near as happy and they get old quick.
The time to grow up comes later... much, much later. Just ask Grandma! Woo Hoo!
Pop a top to your Granny!!!!! Sounds like a woman who knows how to live.
For me, school is making me old this year. But, better times are a comming.
Class of ’79? They were kids, to me. Damn I’m old! But not as “old” as my wife!
Thanks all for the comments. And yes my grams is a fantastic lady. I can tell you that I have gone to the bar with her, and I had a hard time keeping up!
I have always said you are only as old as you think, act, and feel. Some days those things are at odds with each other, but most of the time I am probably about 10 years younger than I really am! Now that I'm officially an empty-nester, I listen to co-workers talk about their daycare issues while I talk about what ride I'm going on, and it feels like THEY are the old ones! Live free & ride! :-)
I think your gram is cool beans BB. My mom is the same age as her and her life, unfortunately, is very sedentary. I'd love it if she went out for a few pops everyday, but she's just not into that.
Emotionally I feel 24, think I look 34, am 44, and some days my body betrays me and makes me feel 54. No matter what though, I don't ever want to lose social interaction. That's a lesson I'll take from your gram. Having a few drinks at the same time I take from my Uncle Charlie.
Good advice.
Your grandmother sounds great. Bet she is a lot of fun. Yea I think I'm 20 sometimes but my bones tell me something else. Just had our 40th. Did not go. Most are still stuffed shirts. I went to a very clicky school. For some odd reason I did not fit in. (Biker ya know)
i with mr. motorcycle. i don't know how old i am. i've been told, but i don't care, so why remember it.
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