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First, I have to confess that I totally forgot my birthday was yesterday. Well, I didn’t actually forget because I knew it was October 2nd, but for some reason I thought that October 2nd was NEXT week. And I discovered my mistake when a customer came into my store on Monday and mentioned something about her birthday being October 3rd, and said to her, “Hey, that is so ironic because my birthday is next week too, it’s October 2nd.” Whereupon she said, “ Um…no, your birthday is THIS week. It’s Thursday.

DUH!

So yeah, that’s one of the things I've learned in my 59 years. You start to FORGET.

  • I forget what month and week it is.
  • I forget what I need at the grocery store.
  • I forget to take my umbrella on a rainy day.
  • I forget peoples’ names. (*note: I think people should be required to wear name tags.)
  • I forget to take my reading glasses off before I step into a running hot shower.
  • I stand in the hallway of my apartment building and wait for an elevator and wonder why the hell it’s taking so long to get to my floor, when I suddenly realize that I FORGOT to press the elevator button.
  • And the worst - I walk into a room and then forget WHY I walked in there.

Yes, forgetfulness is one of the things that come with age.

But do you know what? There are so many wonderful things too.

  • I’ve stopped worrying about everything because I’ve been through so many highs and lows in my life and I've survived. And not just survived, but learned something.
  • I’ve stopped fretting over whether people like me.
  • I’ve learned to take more chances.
  • I’ve learned to trust myself.
  • I’ve realized that life is not about living with a sense of urgency and a direct route, it’s about taking detours; remaining curious and open; embracing change; going with the flow.
  • And I’ve learned that no matter how old I am, I must never lose my sense of childlike fun and silliness, and laugh.

I can truthfully say that I love my life and who I am. I am grateful for my past – my childhood years, my teen years, and my mid-life years – because they taught me many things and brought me to where I am today.

 Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
X


36 comments:

  1. ♪♪ Happy Birthday to you, ♪♪
    ♪♪ Happy Birthday to you, ♪♪
    ♪♪ Happy Birthday Dear Ronnnn ♪♪
    ♪♪ Happy Birthday to you. ♪♪

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  2. I forget what year it is sometimes! And besides not knowing my own age, I now forget how old my kids are. You are not alone.

    Thank you for sharing all your pictures....you are handsome at every age, but I could seriously eat up that toddler! Soooo adorable! Happy birthday, dear friend!

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  3. Happy Birthday! Just turned 59 myself. Hope all is well. Peggy and I hope to be up your way soon! Dwight

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  4. Why did I think your birthday was closer to the middle of the month???? My astrology friends would be horrified that I don't know more details. LOL OH, you are right.... the memory, it's a funny thing. Eh, we should just all celebrate whenever we feel like it!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my friend! You know I wish you all good things... a year full of learning, growing, loving. A year of continuing old friendships, and making new ones. A hottie guy to take a long walk in the SNOW with, make some PASTA with, drink APOTHIC with. HEY, did you find 'dark' yet??


    Great photos!! I want those bell bottomed jeans! ;)


    Enjoy, Ron! ENJOY!

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  5. Happy Birthday, Ron! What a wonderful post. I love the way you often combine humor and inspiration in your stories. I laughed at you forgetting to take your reading glasses off when you step into a shower because I've done the same thing with my glasses. I'm 36 and I can already sense myself being forgetful. What you shared on the things you've learned is so insightful. I wish I would get to the point where I didn't worry so much about things because I tend to be a worrywart.

    I love the photos of you at different ages. You were so cute as a bambino and tot. Your eyes are the thing that is so definite about the way you look because they are the same in each picture. Handsome man.

    I hope you had a great birthday yesterday and have a wonderful weekend, Ron x

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  6. Thank you, Grace! And thank you sooooooooooooooooooooo much for sharing the video clip, it was freaking AWESOME. And I enjoyed it especially because I ADORE penguins. They're the cutest things!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your Happy Birthday song. Have a SUPER weekend, my friend!
    X

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  7. "I forget what year it is sometimes! And besides not knowing my own age, I now forget how old my kids are. You are not alone."


    Thank you, I'm glad to hear I'm not alone :) Several years ago, when I turned 57, I thought that I was turning 58 until my brother mentioned, "No, you're not 58 this year, you're 57." I can't believe I forgot what age I was - HA!


    Much thanks for stopping by, dear friend! Have a super-duper weekend!


    X

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  8. Thank you, Dwight! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you too! Yaaaaaaaay.....59'er's!

    " Peggy and I hope to be up your way soon!"



    That's great! Please let me know when you will be here so that we can meet up for dinner, okay?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super weekend!


    X to you and Peg!

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  9. Hey there Mary!

    Thank you, my friend!

    " OH, you are right.... the memory, it's a funny thing. Eh, we should just all celebrate whenever we feel like it!"

    Hey...that's a GREAT idea!!!!! And then would could all celebrate our birthdays SEVERAL times a year!

    " A hottie guy to take a long walk in the SNOW with, make some PASTA with, drink APOTHIC with. HEY, did you find 'dark' yet??"

    Woot! Woot! Yes, someone who looks like Tom Ford :)

    No, I haven't tried the Apothic 'dark' yet because they were out of it when I went to the wine store. But I need to buy more wine this weekend, so hopefully they'll have it.

    " I want those bell bottomed jeans! ;)"



    HAHAHAHHAAH! OMG, could you just DIE at how HUGE those bells are? When I found that photo yesterday, I knew I had to include it.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Have a maaahvelous weekend!
    X

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  10. Hola Denise!

    Thank you :)

    " I laughed at you forgetting to take your reading glasses off when you step into a shower because I've done the same thing with my glasses. I'm 36 and I can already sense myself being forgetful."

    I can't tell you HOW MANY times I've done that. In fact, I did it again a few weeks ago.

    "I wish I would get to the point where I didn't worry so much about things because I tend to be a worrywart."



    I know what you mean because I used to worry a lot myself. But eventually you get to a point where you just know that things will work out for the best.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend too!

    X

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  11. Happy Birthday darling! This is such a great post! The one thing I still need to learn is to laugh even when times are tough! You are a wise man and I am always learning from you!

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  12. "(*note: I think people should be required to wear name tags.)" Lol. Hello my name is:

    "And I’ve learned that no matter how old I am, I must never lose my sense of childlike fun and silliness, and laugh." Wise words.

    Great photos. I am so digging those bell bottom pants!

    Happy Birthday, dude! I wish you all the best in this new year. Rock on!

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  13. Happy Birthday, Ron! WE learn so much with age, and we learn forgetting isn't always so bad, ha!

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  14. Happy Birthday, Ron! All the best to you, my friend, and may you have many more!

    I loved this post. It was insightful, funny, and touching all at once. I, too, forget things, and I really think name tags should be required by law!


    You've learned a hell of a lot over the years, Ron, and thanks to this tremendous blog, I'm learning a lot, too! Trusting yourself, taking more chances, and not giving a damn what other people think of you are all tremendous discoveries!


    Keep up the great work, buddy, and keep sharing it all with us!


    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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  15. Happy Birthday to you, Ron -- and thanks for sharing your photos. Love the one with you and your mom -- and those bell-bottoms, ha!

    You know, there's something to that oddity about walking into a room and forgetting why you're there. I read somewhere that it has to do with going through a door or door frame. I guess that's why you nearly always remember when you retrace your steps! Repeat after me...It's NOT getting old, even young people do it!!

    I think taking more chances, trusting oneself, and putting an end to that constant people-pleasing are GREAT things about getting older! And, as long as we stay active, take care of ourselves, and enjoy Life, why, getting older has lots of benefits!

    Great post, my dear -- enjoy your weekend and have a slice of B-day cake for me!

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  16. I had a really witty comment for you but, wouldn't you know it, I forget what it was. Oh, well. Trust me...it would have had you in stitches.


    Happy birthday, and don't forget it's the weekend!


    Sounds like you've learned a lot of lessons in your first 59 years. Let's see what the next 59 bring!

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  17. I am grateful for my past … because they taught me many things and brought me to where I am today.
    Yes and YES!! I totally agree with all your observations and lessons learned. And, of course, HAPPY BIRTH DAY to you! Oh, and love the bell bottoms! :-)

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  18. Oh what a great list of what you have learned Ron, I was nodding my head in approval reading each point. So true, it's time to stop worrying over every little thing, who cares if EVERYONE likes us and yes, detours and turns in the road CAN be a good thing.


    A very happy belated birthday to you Ron and many happy and healthy years to come!!!


    Hugs, G

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  19. Belated Happy Birthday Ron! Looking at those pics - what in the world were you thinking when you sported those eyebrows in your 20's? You look like you have hairy caterpillars on your forehead! :) I am just a year behind you & the joke I like the best about it is: It is winter so it's dark outside, the clock reads 7:00, you're sitting on the side of your bed with 1 sock on & 1 sock off & can't figure out if you'e getting up or going to bed. Hahahahahaha!

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  20. Aw...thank you for your sweet words, Shae!

    "The one thing I still need to learn is to laugh even when times are tough!"

    This is something I've learned through time. Being able to laugh when the times are tough, seem to give me a positive outlook and make going through the tougher times much easier.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend Have a faaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  21. Thank you, Matt :)

    Yes, I think everyone should wear name tags because I am SO BAD with remembering names. OMG...I'm the worst! I have to know someone for months before I can remember.

    "I am so digging those bell bottom pants!"



    HAHAHAHAHAHA! Aren't they the BIGGEST bell bottoms you've ever seen?


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!
    X

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  22. Thank you, Suzi :)

    " WE learn so much with age, and we learn forgetting isn't always so bad, ha!"



    Exactly! And for all the forgetting that happens, I wouldn't trade it for the world for all that I've learned with age.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!


    X

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  23. Aw...thank you, Rob :)

    "I, too, forget things, and I really think name tags should be required by law!"



    HAHAHHAHA! You said it. OMG...I am the WORST with remembering names. It took me TWO months to remember the names of the people I work with in my new job. I kept referring to them as, "What's-her-name."


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And thank you for your kind words.


    Have a SUPA' weekend!

    X

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  24. Thank you, Debbie :)

    I found that photograph of my mother and I in a box of photos. I don't have many pictures of me with her because she passed away when I was very young, so that picture means the world to me. And yes, aren't those bell bottoms a HOOT? They're HUGE.

    ". I read somewhere that it has to do with going through a door or door frame. I guess that's why you nearly always remember when you retrace your steps! Repeat after me...It's NOT getting old, even young people do it!!"

    That is so interesting because I've never heard that before. And you're exactly right, I end up having to retrace my steps to remember - HA!

    "I think taking more chances, trusting oneself, and putting an end to that constant people-pleasing are GREAT things about getting older! And, as long as we stay active, take care of ourselves, and enjoy Life, why, getting older has lots of benefits!"



    I LOVE how you said that!!!! And yes, getting older has TONS of benefits.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Have a super-duper weekend!
    X

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  25. "I had a really witty comment for you but, wouldn't you know it, I forget what it was. Oh, well. Trust me...it would have had you in stitches."


    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Mark, you CRACK ME UP, MAN!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaabulous weekend!


    X to you and Tara!

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  26. Hey there Lisa!

    " I totally agree with all your observations and lessons learned."

    There is a lot to be said for getting older, isn't there? And I am so grateful for where it's brought me today.

    "Oh, and love the bell bottoms! :-)"



    Aren't they a HOOT? They're the BIGGEST bell bottoms I ever owned - HA!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your birthday wishes, my friend. Have SUPER weekend!
    X

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  27. Hello there Geraldine!

    "So true, it's time to stop worrying over every little thing, who cares if EVERYONE likes us and yes, detours and turns in the road CAN be a good thing."



    Isn't aging great? I am so grateful for where it's brought me because I feel much more relaxed and at ease.


    Thank you so much for stopping by and for your birthday wishes, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!
    X

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  28. Thank you, Benze :)

    " what in the world were you thinking when you sported those eyebrows in your 20's? You look like you have hairy caterpillars on your forehead! :)"

    OMG I know, weren't they some HUGE eyebrows? Thank god I discovered tweezers and plucking.

    "It is winter so it's dark outside, the clock reads 7:00, you're sitting on the side of your bed with 1 sock on & 1 sock off & can't figure out if you'e getting up or going to bed."



    Bwhahahahahahaha! That was HILARIOUS!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic weekend!
    X

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  29. Happy, Happy Birthday, Ron! This post was fabuloso! I learn a lot from you, so please know how grateful I am for sharing your wisdom.

    "I’ve realized that life is not about living with a sense of urgency and a direct route, it’s about taking detours; remaining curious and open; embracing change; going with the flow."



    That is awesome! You certain have learned a lot.


    Thanks for sharing the pictures, they're great. I am in awe of those bell bottoms!!


    Wishing you a wonderful 59th year. Happy Birthday!

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  30. Aw....thank you, Robert :)

    Aging as taught me so many wonderful things about life. And the main thing has been to not worry and be so set in my ways about how I think my life should go. I've learned to surrender to my life and go more with the flow because it's taken me to places that I needed to go to LEARN.

    " I am in awe of those bell bottoms!!"



    HAHAHAHAHA! Aren't they HOOT? Back then, bell bottoms were the rage. And the BIGGER the better.


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your birthday wishes, buddy. Have a terrific weekend!
    X

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  31. Happy Birthday, my friend. Life only started getting really, really good when I hit 40. Now, in my 60s, except for all that forgetting shit, it just keeps getting better. And never let anyone forget your birthday! Demands parties and presents! I always do. :)

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  32. Thank you, Jayne :)

    "Life only started getting really, really good when I hit 40. Now, in my 60s, except for all that forgetting shit, it just keeps getting better."

    I SO agree with you about hitting your 40's. And I'm also looking forward to my 60's as well. It just keeps getting better!

    "And never let anyone forget your birthday! Demands parties and presents! I always do. :)"

    HA! Will do!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having faaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  33. Happy Birthday, Ron! And cin cin to a healthy, successful, and joyful year; at times forgetful, at times beaming on everything like the razor clarity of zen. May you receive all that you wish and hope for. It seems with your "wonderful" list, you will.
    Birthdays make me happy. I know it's taken another year to get to a place where all is anew, in the present, while everything is in the past where it belongs and the future will arrive with a basket of goodies; all to make you feel better inside and out and all over.

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  34. oops,
    Have a wonderful year, Ron! :))

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  35. Thank you for your birthday wishes, Petra :)

    "Birthdays make me happy. I know it's taken another year to get to a place where all is anew, in the present, while everything is in the past where it belongs and the future will arrive with a basket of goodies; all to make you feel better inside and out and all over."

    Me too! And I absolutely LOVE what you said here because it's soooooo true. Brilliant!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And thank you for all that you share!

    Have a super Sunday!
    X

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  36. ♪ Happy Birthday to you, ♪♪
    ♪♪ Happy Birthday to you, ♪♪
    ♪ Happy Birthday Haapppy Birthday!!!♪
    ♪♪ Happy Birthday to you. ♪

    I was so busy forgetting my own I forgot to remember yours? Awww....but happy belated birthday, dearheart. I adore what you've forgotten and what you've learned. I have similar life lessons, and they're all good cuz they brought me to here.
    And I've also learned to buy plastic frames for those readers....for obvious reasons.
    Happy belated birthday, sir.
    I hope to forget many more. ;-)

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