Things I've Learned Over the Past Six Decades on This Earth (A Reflection)

As another birthday has so quickly come and gone I started thinking about what all I've learned over the past six decades. During some decades not so much and others just about everything. Anyway, not being one who likes to be overly loquacious, here's another of my not-so-famous lists:

1. The 50's- not a lot since I was born mid-century (1955), but one thing does stick out in my mind during the latter part of the decade. Anytime someone would come up and remark on what a "pretty little girl" I was, my mother would always reply "Pretty is as pretty does".  That has stuck, for the most part, however, I do not get many (none) of those compliments anymore. Maybe someday I will hear what a "pretty little old lady". (Nope, probably not!)

2. The 60's- Hippies are weird. I didn't think of them as good or bad, just weird. (That is all)

3. The 70's- I knew EVERYTHING. In all fairness, just about every child entering their late teen years feels about the same way, right?

4. The 80's- I knew NOTHING. Yep, this was the decade I was a young mother with two small children and I realized, "I knew what I didn't know",  and that it was a lot.

5. The 90's- I learned to start paying attention to what was happening around me and I really started enjoying learning something new whenever possible. As a teacher that "learning something new" happened about every day. I also realized how lucky I was that I had found my dream job as a middle school teacher. (Yes, this says volumes about my personality and craziness I know).

6. The 00's- I started questioning some of my long-held beliefs and started listening more. I also started worrying less about whether I was liked by "everybody" or not and in turn feel I became more likable because of it. Not sure how to explain myself here, so I will just leave it at this for now.

7. Now- I've learned I have "Waaaay" more questions than answers about just about everything and am completely ok with that. I have also learned to cherish each day, and I don't take one minute for granted. And finally, I have learned that you don't let different beliefs, personalities, or lifestyles get in the way of making some true, loyal friends that you know you can depend on!!!

Happy New Year 2019!

Side note: My husband and I just celebrated another anniversary this month also!

Happy 45th Anniversary and this picture kinda explains why don't ya think?

More Deep Thoughts from This Old Woman

On Childhood

You're only a child once, so never grow up.

On Faith

Sometimes all that's left is faith; the most important possession.

On Life

If I would get a second chance at life, I would pretty much do the same thing just a little better.

If I'd become everyone I'd envied as a teenager, I'd be fat, divorced and childless #GladToBeMe

The only person you should ever be better than is the old you!

If you can enjoy your memories without wanting to live in the past, you have a good life.#OldAgeWisdom

On Parenting

Only those who have no children are perfect parents!

As a parent, one thing I have no regrets for is NEVER saying, "My child would never do that!"

On Food

Calories are a bit like money to me. Before eating something, I consider if the calories are worth the consumption just like I consider if spending money on an item is worth what it costs. I’d rather eat 180 calories worth of Hershey’s dark chocolate than 160 calories of peach yogurt.

Why I Like Living Below My Means

1. I can be a big tipper.

2. I don't have to worry about paying down credit card balances.

3. I don't have to make car payments.

4. I don't have to make house payments.

5. I can go on a spur-of-the-moment shopping spree if I want.

6. I don't have to beg a banker for money.

7. I don't have to worry about paying back those "Title Loans"  with hight interest rates! (scary stuff!!!)

8. I can donate to causes important to me.

9. I can buy what I want at the grocery store, and more often than not I prefer the generic brand over name brand on many items.

10. I don't feel the need to brag about what I have or what I don't have. (You know some people really do brag about their lack, or is that whining??)

11. I LOVE being debt free!!!

Living below my means is AWESOME!

My Turn to Rant

Oh how  I wish people would not impulsively post knee-jerk reaction memes or "news" articles after horrific events such as school shootings. Little research is done to see how valid or true the messages are that these memes and articles  claim. What good does it do??? The only thing it seems to accomplish is division, of which our country has enough. Instead, why can't we work together to find common ground and have an intelligent conversation with both sides listening and hearing what the other has to say. That would be a start.

In closing I would like to paraphrase a favorite quote of mine.  It would be better to just keep our memes to ourselves and keep our mouths shut. Sure we may appear ignorant, but wouldn't that be better than opening our mouths or posting our memes and removing all doubt.

Mom Betty

The following is a draft I wrote over a year ago and never published. Well, it's time. Mom Betty is not doing well at all now and I hope the transition to her next life is peaceful and painless. She is one very special lady and I'm honored to be her daughter-in-law.

A couple of years ago while visiting my 90-something mother-in-law, I was "patting myself on the back" for helping her address envelopes to send a few Christmas cards to some of her few remaining friends. (Most have died). I was feeling pretty smug about how patient and helpful I was being when it hit me, I'm not doing anything above and beyond; this is what we all should do for our elderly parents. Treat them with dignity, help with simple tasks that are no longer simple for them, and quit thinking we are being so darn extraordinary for doing it. Look what they have done for us all those years ago when we had trouble writing neatly when we weren't sure where the address went on the envelope, or  on  which line is the city, state and zip code supposed to go.

My mother-in-law is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. She has always been nothing but kind to me and appreciative of anything I have ever done for her. She is now in the last years of her life in a rest home where some days she isn't sure if she should be there or if she should be somewhere else. However, she still knows her children by name and she always knows me and most of her other close relatives who take the time to see her regularly. She knows who she is and she knows her memory is failing her more and more every day. Sometimes she gets very confused and upset because of it. I just wish there was something extraordinary I could do for her, like help her remember things and people like she so desperately tries to do. However, since I can't do that, the one thing I shall continue to do are the ordinary things we all should do, help them be as normal as possible. If that is showing them exactly how to address an envelope line by line so they can send a few Christmas cards in their own handwriting, then do it.

Thank you, Betty Marshall, for being the best mother-in-law anyone could be so lucky to have.