Even though I continue to learn and grow, as I have always strived to do, it doesn't necessarily mean that I let go of all that I have learned and gathered over the years of my lifetime. Determining what to keep and what to let go can be tough to discern. Some things are intertwined. One of the things for me are my workout routines. I used to be able to do really tough workouts, but as my body and limbs begin to age they don't seem to be able to keep up with what my mental attitude keeps telling them that they should be able to do. I have come to the realization that I need to work out at a different pace. I keep that part of me that can move and enjoy the feeling of strength, yet I let go of that almost frenetic pace of working out at an "even if it kills me," rate. (Although having recently seen a photo of Jane Fonda who is much older than am I, I begin to have second thoughts!)
My job as a library page has taught me patience and perseverence. It is taken for granted that books on the shelves are in the right order. But there are worker bees, like me, who are the ones responsible for making sure that each book on our cart, and in our care, is correctly shelved. I have learned to be patient in knowing that each book has its specific and perfect place to be. I have learned perseverence in that sometimes the Dewey Decimal system makes my mind boggle thus making me work slowly going digit-by-digit in order to make sure a book is nested correctly in it's little home. No more the speedy worker! This is good for me. I have a tendency to do all things too quickly.
In May I joined the AARP. I didn't know what the acryonym meant. I have learned that it stands for American Association of Retired People. Yep, that's me..a retired American. Joining the AARP makes me feel a part of something bigger than myself. I feel part of a wall of people that have a respected place in history. We have seen so many changes in our lifetimes. We have seen the emergence of some fantastic technological advances in all areas of life from medicine to cameras, to telephones and communication.
My dental trip in early May went well despite all the fears that I had about going. I have learned that I can get by with only the "laughing gas" and not the numbing needles, at least for this type of work. It turns out I didn't have to have the gum cut in order to get to the cavity under the crown. I braved my way through it with a twinge here and there and then the work was done. I learned that I am braver than I thought I was and I learned that the "laughing gas" really does make me giggle.
Nature taught me a lesson this month as well. It brought a mouse to the interior walls of our house. I have learned that my fear of mice has not lessened in any way, shape or form, despite my son having had a gerbil or two while he was growing up. (I never thought they were adorably cute, like he did!) I have had a fear of mice since a child. I am glad that the neighbors didn't call the police when I was screaming bloody murder as I tried to keep the mouse captive while my hubby raced to the basement to get something to kill it. UGH! My husband asked me, "what is that white stuff around your mouth?"...from fear I think I might have been foaming at the mouth! LITERALLY!
...and Mother's Day. What a most marvelous day it was! On the Saturday before Mom's Day my daughter and one grandgirl came by (the youngest grandgirl was camping) and swept me away to get my choice of a pedicure or a manicure. They both had pedicures while I opted for a manicure. I want to be able to see the gorgeous nails as I move my hands around, most especially now that I work as a page and see my hands in front of me a lot! On the day of, I sang with the choir and then came home to a delicious meal and some great pies for dessert as well as fun and happy conversation. I am blest with much love and for that I am thankful.Late in the month of May Donna Summer and Robin Gibb passed away. She was the disco queen of the 1970's, he, one of the Gibb brothers who spiced up the music in Saturday Night Fever and beyond. I know many people hated that era, but I danced through it all, enjoyed it, and had fun. Thanks for the music that gave me happy feet! RIP Donna Summer and Robin Gibb.
...lastly, I have learned that my son is taking a job far away; away from his birth state, away from his family, some friends and his job. He is taking a job transfer. He was just across town, now he'll be across the country. I've learned that though my heart and mind will miss him, that this is probably the best for a young man to do. So, I'll bid him adieu and wish him well and hope to hear from, perhaps more often than it seems I have over the last 5 or 6 years. He is a kind, sincere, extremely funny, outgoing guy. I know that I did well raising him and I know that I love him dearly. Good luck and Godspeed my dearest son!
Nice post.
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