Reaching my mid-thirties may not seem like a significant milestone, and I still occasionally get carded, but lately, I’ve been feeling the effects of aging more than ever. You might be wondering how I came to this realization, so let me break it down for you:
- Bird Watching: I’ve found myself enjoying the simple pleasure of observing birds. Just the other day, I was gazing out my window at a beautiful female cardinal at my bird feeder—a gift I specifically requested for Mother’s Day. I can only imagine my kids will soon be gifting me all sorts of avian-themed items for Christmas, and I might just end up wearing a bird-embroidered sweatshirt to a school event.
- Chronic Back Pain: My back has become a constant source of discomfort. I often complain to my children, making them line up to give me back rubs. I instruct them to use their little elbows, and I can’t help but cry out in agony when they dig in—it’s a painful reminder that I’m aging.
- Recording Late-Night Shows: I now find myself recording The Tonight Show because, quite frankly, I need my beauty sleep. Who even stays up late enough to watch it live?
- Enjoying Game Shows: I have to admit, I watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. My heart races when I can answer the puzzles, much like a grandparent playing Bingo. While I don’t actively seek them out, if I happen to be watching TV when they come on, I’m definitely staying tuned in.
- Forecasting Weather: I now have an uncanny ability to predict the week’s weather. I knew there was a cold front coming and made sure my kids wore light jackets. And yes, I always have an umbrella at hand—it’s simply practical.
- Random Aches and Pains: At this very moment, I’m experiencing discomfort in my neck and thumb. Why? I have no idea; they’re just the random aches that come with aging. I even find myself unable to crochet today because of my thumb pain! And what do I use for relief? Good old Bengay—I smell like menthol and the fading days of my youth.
- Out of Touch with Slang: I’ve officially reached the point where I don’t understand the current slang. Terms like “bae,” “fleek,” and “turnt up” are completely lost on me. I still say “cool beans,” and I’ve even done a Google search for “teen slang words 2015” to keep up.
- Struggles with Snapchat: I tried using Snapchat for a few days but found it frustrating and pointless. Perhaps I was using it wrong, but my old eyes struggle to see the pictures without my glasses, and before I know it, the images vanish—how annoying!
- Annoyance with Young Kids: My own children can manage to pour their cereal and leave me in peace on Sunday mornings. However, when I’m asked to spend time with other small children, I start to feel overwhelmed. The days of babyhood have long passed for me, and I’m far too young to be a grandmother.
- Love for Sleep: Ah, sleep. It’s something I crave deeply. If I’m not currently asleep, I’m dreaming about my next opportunity to catch some Z’s. I often skip social gatherings because staying awake long enough to make the trip isn’t worth it. I guess I’m just old and tired now.
Looking back, twenty-year-old me would likely be appalled by this list. But as we age, we often find ourselves becoming more like our parents and grandparents. I don’t intend to embrace the “cougar” life anytime soon, so I better come to terms with the inevitable changes that come with aging—like sagging skin and an affinity for hard candy. And let’s not forget that trusty Bengay!
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In summary, growing older comes with its own set of signs and challenges, from aches and pains to a newfound love for sleep. While it may be difficult to accept, adapting to these changes is simply a part of life.
Keyphrase: Signs of Aging
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