Don't feel like I expected to.

[JB]

I haven't thought of a birthday as a big deal since I turned 21. This is different.<br /><br />I can't explain what I thought I would feel like, but I do know this isn't it.<br /><br />Old? Well, my body is certainly deteriorating. . . .eyes and ears don't work well anymore and I haven't the stamina I once had. My prostate is gone and my heart has parts I wasn't born with, but I still get around pretty well and can get Big Orange (Kubota B2150 HST) to pick up stuff that I can't pick up anymore.<br /><br />Not old? That's what is different. Except for noticing that I live in a different culture and society than I grew up in my mind seems to work as well as ever, maybe better.<br /><br />I think the world has changed more than I have. No, not the technology stuff. That is given. What I mean is that we now treat women and minorities more like full citizens than we used to, but our manners have become rude and even vulgar. I would have expected the opposite result.<br /><br />Those are my thoughts on turning 70. I wonder what things others have noticed about aging.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Let me ponder that a while....

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Seems faster and more "self" centered than it one was. BTW Congrats on the big Seven Zero!!

 

[QC]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Well first, Happy b-day JB!!! I turned 46 last week.<br /><br />I agree with the full citizens comments, but believe the pendulum has swung too far the other way, although it will swing back . . .<br /><br />Also I agree with the manners etc. comment and believe this is related to the citizens comment in that we have spent too much time telling all that no matter how you behave it is OK, because you are an individual first and a society member about 129th.<br /><br />I have a hard time imagining 70 as even at 46 I have my little ailments that I didn't have to deal with when younger. Allergies are worse, there is always at least one physical thing going on (knee, elbow, shoulder, foot, neck, wrist), skin seems more sensitive, and although I have always been near-sighted, that side is starting to deteriorate too . . . So far ears are holding up.<br /><br />I definitely understand morality and the rigors of parenting etc. Although I had a good sense of right and wrong as a younger man, how I honestly look at my own behavior has improved. I now know that ALL things count no matter what "everybody else does". If I drive 5 MPH over the speed limit, I acknowledge that it is wrong. May seem like nothing to some, but the fact is that I am breaking the law. Why is that OK and stealing is not? May seem trivial, but I would not have had a serious internal debate on that one when I was 20 for example.<br /><br />I could go on and on, but one thing for the young whippersnappers (to some that's me ) on this board. Don't ever discount the wisdom of experience; it is real!!!

 

[one more cast]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Is it your birthday JB? If so Happy Birthday! I will be 47 on Halloween and for me material things don't seem so important to me anymore.

 

[Braxton]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Happy Birthday JB, we just had my mother-in laws 70th Sat. btw if you don't mind my asking have you gone out with the lovely lady we saw in the picture a few posts back? And also id like to add im 46 and i see things changing too. i try and stear clear of the rude people, but in my work i see it almost everyshift. Have a great day.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Happy Birthday... Can not say much about 70 since that is 20 years away however.... if this is worth anything... You are the most computer active 70 yo I have encountered. Kudo's on keeping up with things.<br /><br />Why not take out your ex again to celebrate!<br /><br />Bob

 

[Braxton]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

i also concur with Bob.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Happy B-Day to a fellow Libra! Turned 50 on the 8th. <br /><br />Guess it's these "milestones" we reach that causes us to consider where we are at in our lives.<br /><br />All considered, for sure there are things that could be better, but I see others in circumstance far worse. So, I won't complain.<br /><br />Well, maybe one... my knees sure were sore the other day when the cold front came through!

 

[ndemge]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

happy Bday!

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

!!!!!HAPPY BIRTYDAY JB!!!!!<br /><br />I hear what your saying about the way ya feel and the way things have changed. I just turned 44 and like QC can only hope my body holds up till 70. I dont act like I feel old, but I definately feel like I act old. What I used to do all day, now takes me all day to do. <br /><br />Any way, Happy Birthday again, and here's to many more.

 

[MYTJC]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Happy B-Day JB. I Will be 39 in December and I feel like i'm 26 8->. God Bless ya

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

JB,<br /><br />I turned 40 this weekend and I too had a reflective and introspective couple of days. This is the first birthday I have had since turning 18 that had any significance. Don't know why, it is just a day. Perhaps looking at how my decisions or non-decisions found me to where I am. Have I done enough? Have I fulfilled my potential? Is the world a better place now over 40 years ago and how do I figure in to the betterment of it?<br /><br />I didn't arrive at any answers, but I did plant a couple of trees. Don't know why, but it seemed like a good idea. A small change with long term implications maybe.<br /><br />Happy birthday JB...

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

jb, happy birthday. your post is a little depressing, even if it wasn't meant to be. i guess i have a lot to think about when i turn 30 next month. i already dread it. i guess it's getting time to grow up.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

I have been pondering this situation...<br /><br />You should treat yourself to a good time... you have worked hard and you deserve it!<br /><br />Why not double date....go out with a set of nice 35 year old twins! <br /><br />Laughing about it but remember the "doublemint gum commercials"

 

[magster65]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

First off, Happy Birthday JB. All the best to you. <br />About the aging... I'm 40 now, I feel really good except for I'm a little stiff (my joints) for the first bit after I crawl outa' bed in the morning. I feel confused and lost 1/2 the time so there's a slight improvement there (haha). The biggest difference for me is that my perception of time has changed. It has most definately sped up for me. Days, weeks and months pass now in the blink of an eye (sorta'). I guess it's because I have a lot of responsibilities and it keeps my mind occupied full time. Many years ago I can remember hainging around with some buddies thinking... I'm kinda' bored today. Now the word bored is no longer part of my vocabulary. As for our society changing... I have to agree, the next generation are a different breed. Rude and vulgar... possibly but respect for your fellow man has dwindled.

 

[theriver]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Happy Birthday JB.<br /><br />70 is only a speed limit.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Happy Birthday, JB. Remember that turning 70 definately beats the alternative! I will be lucky to live so long....Congrats....JK

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

<br /><br />And many many more JB. You're only as old as you feel.<br /><br />They say that in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. <br />It's the life in your years.<br />

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: Don't feel like I expected to.

Happy Birthday JB