Close to the Grave? Not Me!

I recently turned 70.  Many people poo-poo the idea that 70 year olds are practically in the ground, but there's lots more who do feel that way.  I remember when Mom and Dad were in their 40s - I thought that was old.  You all know what I mean. I certainly don't feel the way I thought 70 would be.

But it seemed like a good milepost to make some changes to myself, for based on my theory, I've still got another 30 years to hang around.  Might as well be prepared.

I began by cutting my hair shoulder-length, eventually deciding to get a perm - my first in 30 years.  I was much more relaxed about the whole thing for I'm not dating or heading for a job interview, but I wanted a 'lighter' feel in my hair, as I feel in my life.  The perm gives it much needed body, and as it grows out I'll decide how I like it best.

Speaking of body, I lost some weight, too, since I was huffing and puffing up a single flight of stairs, let alone walking around the park.  I didn't quite reach my goal, but congratulated myself on my solid loss; and since SNAP bennies may not arrive next week, I shouldn't have much trouble losing the rest.

I needed new pants; I'm not complaining, for Goodwill took care of that.  But as my mood was lifting, I wanted to brighten the colors of my wardrobe, and this was the perfect excuse.

For years I've said to my manager,  "I want to feel the way I did 30 years ago - not in looks or situation, but with my drive."  We'd been discussing me getting another dog after BC died, but I didn't want to until I felt comfortable being on my own again, and not adopting another pet merely to fill a void.

I'm getting there.  I'm very glad I didn't head for the shelter, nor am I about to anytime soon.  I miss BC, but life is less complicated (and frankly, less expensive).  I remember having to decide on basic necessities for myself or BC, which was always no contest.  My consin once declared, "When I die, I want to come back as your dog."  And during these uncertain times, that's one less worry for me.

For my birthday, (among other things) I gifted myself this pair of Saddle Shoes, a favorite style since childhood. Several weeks ago I had the thought of purchasing, at full price if necessary, a pair of shoes I could wear all the time and which truly fit (I usually check Goodwill).  I considered what style I'd like and these popped into my head, so I went online to see if they could still be found.  Well, I must be the last person to know Saddle Shoes have remained popular over time and are readily available.  Each time I wear them I hear (sic), "Ooooo...I love(d) those shoes!"  Who doesn't?  I hope they're easier to keep clean - remember the white shoe polish?

I want to be cremated in these shoes - they'll complete my burial outfit.  I've since sold the sparkly heels originally earmarked for the occasion, for after 12 years on Ruff Life, they fit me like Cinderella's sisters.

I wore my Saddles for the couple hours I worked on my b'day, then kept wearing them while I visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport; I'd never been.

I wouldn't arrive until after 3 and the Aquarium closed at 5, but I forced myself to go, regardless.  I could always go another time to see what I'd missed, it's not that far.

At the ticket counter:  "One Senior, please.  You don't happen to have anything for someone's birthday?"  I was thinking a balloon or something.

"Is it your birthday?  You get in for Free!" and after showing my driver's license, the woman gave me a printed receipt.  I did buy an octopus hat pin in the gift shop for my collection, and to support the place. (Photo: created from beach debris, the arm's suckers are bottle caps)

I hadn't realized it would have been $23.95, I thought I'd read around $15.  For Seniors?  How do families afford to go anywhere nowadays?  I was in and out of the aquarium within an hour, and while it was nice, as aquariums go, I was more fascinated by the sculptures created out of trash washed up on beaches.

I'd made that suggestion to the Captain when I lived in Puerto Rico - while walking the outer reefs in search of shells, I had the thought of taking local kids out to clean the reefs and then create art, but he said it was a terrible idea.  I shouldn't have let that stop me, but live and learn.

That's why I was so interested in these sculptures, and I even managed to use my new phone to capture the black square-thing to learn about volunteering.

After the aquarium I went down to look at a couple of restaurants along the Newport dock, and walked towards the group of people leaning over the railing.

"Were they back?" co-worker Lori asked when I told her I'd seen the sea lions which I thought lived there.

"They do, but they've not always there.  They weren't when I took (a visitor) to look."

    SOMETHING TOLD ME AND I LISTENED

That's been replaying inside my head and repeated to people who ask,

"Are you OK?  Do you need money for food?" and "Anything you need..."

I'm switching gears to address the upcoming loss of SNAP benefits for November (possibly).  I don't take political sides over this issue - our Politicians MUST get their act together and start thinking about the PEOPLE.  Oregon has already said it's not going to make up the loss for they won't be reimbursed by the Administration; and it's 10% of their entire budget.  The money would have to be pulled from somewhere else.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but I haven't decided who's telling the full truth about the supposed 'contingency fund' for SNAP.  Even if it helps just a little, it may tide us over until, we hope, Congress acts.  All I know is that I never have more than $5 left by the next month's food allotment; so in this case I'm in the same can of worms as the Government, for my food money now has to come out of sometihing else.

I've already reduced the data on my Smartphone to 10-whatevers; cancelled my Dreamweaver program subscription; budgeted less for 'extras' like TP and soap (back to Generic); but most importantly,  a couple months ago something told me to start learning to live on 80% of my Social Security and I listened.  Each payday I immediately took 20% and sent it off to savings.  Took a bit to rein in my 'discretionary spending' but by now I'm pretty comfortable with the lesser amount.

Which is why I can be so grateful - not only in having people who are willing to help me, but in not having to accept their help.  Frees them up for donating elsewhere, to someone who truly needs it.