Really Getting Older

[actor61]

Tomorrow is my 64th birthday. I feel 34 but the reality is I'm 64, so I'm dealing with it. I'm very active physically and mentally, in excellent health, loved by a generous family who I love in return, and have a spiritual life that gives me comfort so I'm not complaining. I haven't been in a relationship for nearly 30 years and probably have myself to blame for that as I became very gun shy when a relationship I cherished ended. But I have good friends, I date, and sometimes even get laid so I'm reasonably happy.

 

Happy but increasingly cranky. I'm fighting like hell not to become an angry old man like my father was but sometimes, the bile rises and I get very grumpy. When someone with his nose in his cell phone bumps into me on the sidewalk, I want to throw him into traffic. When someone texts during a movie (as happened yesterday), I want to choke him with popcorn. When someone jumps a spot in line, interrupts me when I'm talking to a salesperson or cashier, talks during a performance, takes up an entire seat on the subway with her purse, shopping bag and coat, I want to tell them what inconsiderate human beings they are.

 

I can't stand Donald Trump, Bruno Tognoli or commercials. Charlie Rose never lets anybody answer a question. Why is Phantom of the Opera still running? Is there ANYthing Jennifer Aniston won't shill for? Or Oprah? Her Weight Watchers ad used to make me howl with laughter: "I love bread! I love, love, LOVE bread!"

 

I love babies. I love my nieces. I love that they send me cards and call me and actually ask for my advice and opinions. I adore my sister. We just traveled together for 4 weeks and it's the best vacation I've ever had. I don't think a cross word has ever passed between us. I love being retired. I love cooking for people.

 

I just wish I didn't have this tendency towards crankiness. Or wrinkles. Or that I didn't always fall asleep in front of the t.v.

[+ José Soplanucas]

Hey, I'm a decade younger but in the same grumpy place!

[+ Funguy]

I'm older but passed out of that grumpy phase to simply embrace and enjoy life!

When i encounter those things which set you off, I have learned to ignore them and not allow them to ruin whatever I might be doing.

[jjkrkwood]

Tomorrow is my 64th birthday. I feel 34 but the reality is I'm 64, so I'm dealing with it. I'm very active physically and mentally, in excellent health, loved by a generous family who I love in return, and have a spiritual life that gives me comfort so I'm not complaining. I haven't been in a relationship for nearly 30 years and probably have myself to blame for that as I became very gun shy when a relationship I cherished ended. But I have good friends, I date, and sometimes even get laid so I'm reasonably happy.

 

Happy but increasingly cranky. I'm fighting like hell not to become an angry old man like my father was but sometimes, the bile rises and I get very grumpy. When someone with his nose in his cell phone bumps into me on the sidewalk, I want to throw him into traffic. When someone texts during a movie (as happened yesterday), I want to choke him with popcorn. When someone jumps a spot in line, interrupts me when I'm talking to a salesperson or cashier, talks during a performance, takes up an entire seat on the subway with her purse, shopping bag and coat, I want to tell them what inconsiderate human beings they are.

 

I can't stand Donald Trump, Bruno Tognoli or commercials. Charlie Rose never lets anybody answer a question. Why is Phantom of the Opera still running? Is there ANYthing Jennifer Aniston won't shill for? Or Oprah? Her Weight Watchers ad used to make me howl with laughter: "I love bread! I love, love, LOVE bread!"

 

I love babies. I love my nieces. I love that they send me cards and call me and actually ask for my advice and opinions. I adore my sister. We just traveled together for 4 weeks and it's the best vacation I've ever had. I don't think a cross word has ever passed between us. I love being retired. I love cooking for people.

 

I just wish I didn't have this tendency towards crankiness. Or wrinkles. Or that I didn't always fall asleep in front of the t.v.

 

Actor, don't worry bout nuthin, just continue to enjoy your life.. When you start having problems with "cranky wrinkles", then you'll have a problem....

[+ FreshFluff]

When someone jumps a spot in line, interrupts me when I'm talking to a salesperson or cashier, talks during a performance, takes up an entire seat on the subway with her purse, shopping bag and coat, I want to tell them what inconsiderate human beings they are.

 

In the last case, there's no need. Just nod in the direction of the bags and say "Excuse me." The person may sigh, but she'll move the items. This is now the law in NYC.

[mike carey]

My initial reaction (as a 60 some quiet guy) is just quiet down, it's not all about you.

[+ Truereview]

@actor61 , insightful post. Thank you. Two things struck me about it. I noticed the list of things that make you cranky are small in the scheme of things & share one thing in common: you have no control over them except your reaction to them. Yet, the things that seem to make you happy, feel loved and fulfilled are rather significant - your family, your health, your spirit. Seems to me that you are simply human in your desire to not be cranky. I wish I knew what to tell you, but the only thing I see is one blessed man.

[instudiocity]

Tomorrow is my 64th birthday. I feel 34 but the reality is I'm 64, so I'm dealing with it. I'm very active physically and mentally, in excellent health, loved by a generous family who I love in return, and have a spiritual life that gives me comfort so I'm not complaining. I haven't been in a relationship for nearly 30 years and probably have myself to blame for that as I became very gun shy when a relationship I cherished ended. But I have good friends, I date, and sometimes even get laid so I'm reasonably happy.

 

Happy but increasingly cranky. I'm fighting like hell not to become an angry old man like my father was but sometimes, the bile rises and I get very grumpy. When someone with his nose in his cell phone bumps into me on the sidewalk, I want to throw him into traffic. When someone texts during a movie (as happened yesterday), I want to choke him with popcorn. When someone jumps a spot in line, interrupts me when I'm talking to a salesperson or cashier, talks during a performance, takes up an entire seat on the subway with her purse, shopping bag and coat, I want to tell them what inconsiderate human beings they are.

 

I can't stand Donald Trump, Bruno Tognoli or commercials. Charlie Rose never lets anybody answer a question. Why is Phantom of the Opera still running? Is there ANYthing Jennifer Aniston won't shill for? Or Oprah? Her Weight Watchers ad used to make me howl with laughter: "I love bread! I love, love, LOVE bread!"

 

I love babies. I love my nieces. I love that they send me cards and call me and actually ask for my advice and opinions. I adore my sister. We just traveled together for 4 weeks and it's the best vacation I've ever had. I don't think a cross word has ever passed between us. I love being retired. I love cooking for people.

 

I just wish I didn't have this tendency towards crankiness. Or wrinkles. Or that I didn't always fall asleep in front of the t.v.

You left out, jerks who use your seat back as handles to lower themselves into their airliner seats. Get a good 180 pound dodo pulling back on you're seat back ands when he let's go, you get launched toward the cockpit. Thus the real reason why you're instructed to keep your seatbelt on at all times.

[JayCeeKy]

Actor: Sounds like you might be going through a "Stage of Life" transition from, well, middle-age to "older-age" which presents a new set of issues (did I achieve my goals in life, was my life worthwhile?). Don't overdue the self-assessment. Might I suggest reading up on "Mindfulness" and mindfulness meditation? Stay in the present. See thoughts ("I'm getting old") as just thoughts and nothing more - like clouds passing over. You might even embrace your crankiness instead of fighting it (sometimes the harder we fight something - like making yourself go to sleep - the harder it is). Happiness is a choice, not a circumstance.

[actor61]

You left out, jerks who use your seat back as handles to lower themselves into their airliner seats. Get a good 180 pound dodo pulling back on you're seat back ands when he let's go, you get launched toward the cockpit. Thus the real reason why you're instructed to keep your seatbelt on at all times.

That's hysterical! It's why I always fly Business Class!!!

 

And yes, I AM blessed. The things that tick me off are trivial and after my initial reaction of blind rage, I sigh, I roll my eyes, I say to myself "Asshole" and I get on with life!

[+ not2rowdy]

Tomorrow is my 64th birthday....Happy but increasingly cranky....I love, love, LOVE bread!...I love being retired....I just wish I didn't have this tendency towards crankiness....

 

Couldn't resist being selective with the "quote"

Sounds like a very similar situation to mine.

I think it's pretty much typical of our aging process.

 

But you need to consider an attitude adjustment with a specialist

Like good massage therapist!

[+ glennnn]

At 72, I am enjoying being eccentric. Not in a bad, bother-other-people way, just quietly doing my own thing and not worrying what others think. Coming out of the closet in December to claim my right to be gay, and the decriminalization of marijuana have helped. I love how you listed your blessings. Embrace it all, just make sure that your "asshole" comments are sotto voce....lol!

[instudiocity]

That's hysterical! It's why I always fly Business Class!!!

 

And yes, I AM blessed. The things that tick me off are trivial and after my initial reaction of blind rage, I sigh, I roll my eyes, I say to myself "Asshole" and I get on with life!

Asshole what a great exclamation both prejorative and loving...

Hey Asshole! Get out of my way!

Your asshole is so tight, I love it!

[romanz]

I just wish I didn't have this tendency towards crankiness. Or wrinkles. Or that I didn't always fall asleep in front of the t.v.

 

Sounds like me. I am your age and it's a bitch to get old. But, a very well-reviewed escort here spent the night with me, and in the morning told me that I had snored and stopped breathing for short periods of time during the night. Anyway, I went to the doctor and found out that I have severe sleep apnea and eventually got a CPAP machine. I resigned myself into using it, and wow, it has been a god-send. I don't fall asleep in front of the TV any more; I'm not as cranky as I used to be, and I have a more positive outlook on life. It has been amazing what a difference getting enough oxygen during my 8 hours of sleep has made. I feel like I have a new lease on life. And I am truly thankful to that escort for pointing out my sleep habits.

[+ Billsboy4]

Actor 61, I love your post. My sentiments exactly. I also try to enjoy life to the fullest and do things that make me happy and that I enjoy. I also try not to read the obituarys....especially when you see someone in your age group dying!

[jjkrkwood]

At 72, I am enjoying being eccentric. Not in a bad, bother-other-people way, just quietly doing my own thing and not worrying what others think. Coming out of the closet in December to claim my right to be gay, and the decriminalization of marijuana have helped. I love how you listed your blessings. Embrace it all, just make sure that your "asshole" comments are sotto voce....lol!

 

I hear ya Glenn. I'm eccentric too at 64...

 

http://bangsandabun.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/old_lady1.jpg

 

 

And here I am all Glammed up meeting Adam Smith and BigValgirl in NYC.

 

[beachboy]

Embrace it. I'm pleased to say I'm working hard @ becoming more eccentric. Saw a car sticker the other day which I must get-"Grumpy old git on board!" I also want door mat that says "Piss off!"

[+ Truereview]

These are the things to get cranky about as we all age...

 

http://socalmountains.com/e107_files/public/1186281671_46_FT0_3.jpg

[+ Rickee]

Tomorrow is my 64th birthday. I feel 34 but the reality is I'm 64, so I'm dealing with it. I'm very active physically and mentally, in excellent health, loved by a generous family who I love in return, and have a spiritual life that gives me comfort so I'm not complaining. I haven't been in a relationship for nearly 30 years and probably have myself to blame for that as I became very gun shy when a relationship I cherished ended. But I have good friends, I date, and sometimes even get laid so I'm reasonably happy.

 

Happy but increasingly cranky. I'm fighting like hell not to become an angry old man like my father was but sometimes, the bile rises and I get very grumpy. When someone with his nose in his cell phone bumps into me on the sidewalk, I want to throw him into traffic. When someone texts during a movie (as happened yesterday), I want to choke him with popcorn. When someone jumps a spot in line, interrupts me when I'm talking to a salesperson or cashier, talks during a performance, takes up an entire seat on the subway with her purse, shopping bag and coat, I want to tell them what inconsiderate human beings they are.

 

I can't stand Donald Trump, Bruno Tognoli or commercials. Charlie Rose never lets anybody answer a question. Why is Phantom of the Opera still running? Is there ANYthing Jennifer Aniston won't shill for? Or Oprah? Her Weight Watchers ad used to make me howl with laughter: "I love bread! I love, love, LOVE bread!"

 

I love babies. I love my nieces. I love that they send me cards and call me and actually ask for my advice and opinions. I adore my sister. We just traveled together for 4 weeks and it's the best vacation I've ever had. I don't think a cross word has ever passed between us. I love being retired. I love cooking for people.

 

I just wish I didn't have this tendency towards crankiness. Or wrinkles. Or that I didn't always fall asleep in front of the t.v.

... and I wish/hope that we might cross paths someday. After reading your post several times, I found myself wondering who really wrote it: you -- or me! :)

[+ Truereview]

... and I wish/hope that we might cross paths someday. After reading your post several times, I found myself wondering who really wrote it: you -- or me! :)

That would be sweet! When you both meet please steer clear of cell phones, sidewalks, traffic, movie theaters, popcorn, lines, any retail environments, subways, purses, shopping bags, coats, (me pausing for air), Trump, Bruno, Charlie Rose, Phantom, the theatre, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah, weight watchers, airplanes ...match made in heaven!

[+ sync]

Actor61, thank you for your post. So many similarities.

[+ Truereview]

Actor61, thank you for your post. So many similarities.

Love the new avatar sync! Smooch!

[+ Rickee]

How rude of me. The first line of the OP noted that it's his birthday tomorrow.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

[+ sync]

Love the new avatar sync! Smooch!

 

Thank you, and right back atcha.

[+ Funguy]

Someone did that to me one time and while he was doing it I decided to put my seat back. Launched him right into his seat with a nice bounce.