One thing I've learned over the years is I spend a lot less time fretting over nonsense, but I'm spending more time worrying about things I can't control and scaring myself to death via the Internet. Googling for obscure diseases then freaking out while convincing myself I have every single symptom is never a good idea.
I have noticed that most of the symptoms I Google also double as normal old people's aches and pains which is even more alarming. When my oncologist pointed out some side effects of a recent treatment, I asked her how in the heck was I supposed to know the difference between an actual side effect and just normal elderly people's aches and pains. They all sounded alike to me.
Other things I've learned are:
I tend to forget someone's name immediately after they tell me and now, I'll have to fake it for the rest of my life because I'm too embarrassed to admit I don't remember unless I get lucky, and they're introduced to someone else while I'm within earshot.
I immediately regret making plans because it would require me to get out of my recliner or, worse, leave my house. I don't like making plans because I can't stand the pressure of having to be somewhere at a set time.
I'm very good at thinking of a witty comeback as soon as I walk away then obsessing over it for days (or longer).
I'm bad about digging the food box that I had just tossed because I forgot what I read as soon as I dropped it and still, I don't remember even after I've read it again.
I swear I have the shortest memory span. I've told my grandkids, "If I don't do what you've asked within a few minutes, it's not because I'm ignoring you; it's because I've already forgotten."
I've realized as I've gotten older that I just don't have the patience for a lot of things.
One example was the fact that every knife in the house dull was as dull, so I purchased new ones. I kept a couple of my old ones for everyday use and find myself getting mad when anyone (David) uses the new ones since they are hand-wash only.
I've found myself getting annoyed on wash day because I want EVERYTHING in the house clean and don't like seeing anyone wearing clothes that will be thrown in the hamper that evening.
I'm especially good at adding dozens of items to my online shopping cart then deleting them hours later for fear the grandkids will hit 'buy now' and I'll be stuck with $1,000 worth of stuff I want but definitely don't need.
This is one I'm famous for–forgetting why I walked into a room, walking out and still I can't remember. I'll think of it a few hours later.
Way too many times I've picked up my computer or phone to do 'research' and immediately forgot why I picked it up and what the heck I was looking for.
Or better still, looking for my phone with the phone in my hand.
Why is it so dang easy to fall asleep while watching television in the evening (or afternoon or mid-morning or any time, really) but the minute I get into bed and my head hits the pillow my eyes pop open and I end up tossing and turning for hours?
Why am I not able to 'turn off all the thoughts rushing through my head reminding me of everything I should have or shouldn't have done, said, or thought throughout the day?
I'll think of a dozen things I need to tell my doctor but as soon as she asks if I have any questions, my mind goes blank.
I'll spend countless hours lying in bed, promising myself I'll start drinking less pop and more water, I'll eat less junk food, I'll cook more nutritious meals but as soon as morning appears I manage to 'forget' it all.
I drive my family nuts turning on the fireplace then opening the front and back doors to get a breeze because I'm hot, but I like the ambiance of it and don't want to turn it off.
I'm no longer willing to hold my tongue when those young whippersnappers running the cash registers have the gall to answer the questions that pop up on the pay terminal without giving me a chance.
I'm way less tolerant of people who disagree with me vehemently.
You know you're old when your day is completely ruined because the stores have moved everything around, so you have to spend a lot of extra time on a scavenger hunt for your groceries. Get in, get out–that's my motto.