Subject: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 08 May 04 - 10:00 PM Considering that many of us in Mudcat are high-mileage models, I suspect that we've all made our adjustments to bald tires (and bald heads.) Not that the adjustments are all bad. Some of the things I don't do any more are because I guess I've learned a little over the years. Some things I can't do, anymore. At least as energetically as I used to. Part of the changes that happen later in life is that as you get closer to check-out time, you want to use your time a little more wisely. Here are a couple oothings I don't do anymore: Stay up talking until dawn, thinking that my friends and I were wise enough to solve the problems of the world. Eat a large pizza without burping, even once Got any? Jerry |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Midchuck Date: 08 May 04 - 10:04 PM Get drunk. It's not that I've become more virtuous. The hangovers just got worse until they weren't worth it anymore. It seems like the only people over 40 who get drunk much are those who are drunk more or less all the time. Peter. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Chief Chaos Date: 08 May 04 - 10:13 PM How bout staying up all night with your girlfriend at the beach and being able to go to work at 0730 with no ill effects. Now I can't stay up past midnight without feeling like death is on my heels the next day. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Ebbie Date: 08 May 04 - 10:59 PM Well, I still do the all nighters and the pizza but my body sure is different. I remember vividly one time at the beach- I was about 35- when a group of us were out walking on the sand on a glorious day. Unable to restrain myself to the pace of the older members of the party, I flitted hither and yon- about drove them crazy. Nowadays a lot of my energy is internal! |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: LadyJean Date: 08 May 04 - 11:17 PM I was a Scottish highland dancer in my youth. My knees were reminding me of that today. Ow! Ow! Ow! |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: LadyJean Date: 08 May 04 - 11:19 PM Some years ago, I had a pleasant chat with the lady who was my mother's oldest friend. She met mom on their first day of school, and me when I was a week old. She thinks she's 28. She isn't. She wasn't when I was a week old. I think I'm 28 too. I'm not. I haven't been for a long time. But it was fun while it lasted. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Ebbie Date: 08 May 04 - 11:52 PM Isn't that the truth! |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Amos Date: 09 May 04 - 12:32 AM When I was between 17 and 40, the face in the mirror looked a lot more like me than it does now. I don't recognize this older gentleman who keeps misappropriating my damned reflection! |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Metchosin Date: 09 May 04 - 02:19 AM I can't do somersaults anymore without throwing up and sadly too, I have had to give up eating raw peppers, raw cabbage and cucumber. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: George Papavgeris Date: 09 May 04 - 03:42 AM I can no longer "go" as many times of a night as I used to (not divulging actual number). The only frequent "going" now is for nature's calls. And I can still not get into those trousers I kept for 15 years for "when I lose weight". But I have rediscovered the pleasures of handholding, cuddling, head-on-the-shouldering etc, only now without the embarassing and often painful side-effects I suffered in my youth. At least, not as often. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 09 May 04 - 06:20 AM For the first 30 years of my life, I could eat anything I wanted, whenever I wanted and as much as I wanted. I thought nothing of toasting a whole loaf of bread (24 slices) with jelly, and drinking a quart of milk as a midnight snack, and wouldn't gain a pound. Now, all I have to say is Dunkin Doughnuts and click my heels three times, and I weigh another two pounds. The good thing is, my tastes have changed in recent years and I don't feel the craving for pastries as strongly as I used to. Now, I pay attention to what I eat, am discovering all sorts of wonderful food that I enjoy, and can see my toes again. Jerry |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: George Papavgeris Date: 09 May 04 - 06:32 AM Toes....now, there's a memory from the distant past! |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Ellenpoly Date: 09 May 04 - 07:05 AM Oh dear, trying to read this with humour and not dejection! No not really. I still want to feel like that 28 year old, but since I no longer get the looks in the street from men the way I did at that age, the illusion has been well and truely blown. I can't eat dairy products without emptying a room now, and I MISS MY CHEESE! I can't smoke weed anymore without falling asleep, so why bother? I can't drink, but then I never could really. Same holds true for remembering people's names. I can't flip my legs over my head anymore, but then there is little need for it now. Mostly, I can't lie to myself as easily...which I've decided is a great benefit of getting older. (And I can't quite get myself to say "getting old" rather than "older" yet...but soon...soon...) ..xx..e |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: fat B****rd Date: 09 May 04 - 12:45 PM I can't do a temporary "Lotus Positon" without actually breaking my knees. I did the "Lyke Wake Walk" with ease in the early 80s now climbing the stairs too fast leaves me breathless. I couldn't do a 5 mile "Fun" run, as in the early 80s without weeks of intensive training.And possibly monkey gland shots....... Oh, my God !! the list is endless and it's all my fault. Blimey, mt wife Ann and I jived for about 5 minutes at her 60th birthday party and we both had to sit down and gasp for a while....... |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Megan L Date: 09 May 04 - 12:56 PM At nine my dad ripped his breaks climbing a tree to scrump apples, at ninety my dad ripped his breaks climbing over a gate, I guess some folk find an age they like and stay there. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: John MacKenzie Date: 09 May 04 - 02:44 PM I'm not as good as I once was; but I'm as good once as I ever was! John |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Peace Date: 09 May 04 - 02:47 PM Lots. 1) Stay awake for a few days, get four hours sleep and do it again. 2) Used to think nothing of a good run. Now, I have to consider taking a walk. 3) I used to have difficulty with the following: I was getting better lookong every day, and it would bother me. Now, I still get better looking every day, but it doesn't bother me at all. 4) I used to be able to plug targets at a hundred yards, dead center, no scope, no problem. Now I can't see a hundred yards. This helps considerably with #3. 5) I am finding it harder to stay angry with people. Even GUEST. Bruce M |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Sweetfia Date: 09 May 04 - 02:49 PM I used to throw tantrums when i was younger if i didn't get what i wanted...no wait, i still do that!! *grin* |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: jacqui.c Date: 09 May 04 - 03:27 PM I'm learning to be selfish and put my own wants first for a change without feeling guilty. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 09 May 04 - 03:43 PM Actually I need a lot less sleep than I used to when I was younger. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: mack/misophist Date: 09 May 04 - 03:45 PM It's starting to look like baked goods, pasta, rice, potatos, alcohol, most beans, oil, and butter are going to be nothing but sad, wistful memories from now on. Unless I have the gumption to spend more than half the time fasting. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: SueB Date: 09 May 04 - 03:49 PM I'm with Brucie - things that used to make me mad before, now usually just make me laugh. Here's one thing I don't do any more - take off my clothes in front of perfect strangers. Wake up in a strange place with no recollection of how I got there. Climb aboard airplanes. Swear (much). Drive too fast. Care too much about what other people think of me. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Deckman Date: 09 May 04 - 04:17 PM GEEZE ... I'm so old that it takes me all night to do what I used to do all night! Bob |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Bill D Date: 09 May 04 - 04:22 PM Until I was in my late 40s, I could stand on my head and flip my legs into Lotus Position...I last stood on my head on my 55th birthday, 10 years ago. (and the things I could do in Yoga at 22! (6'1"..135 LBS...26x34 jeans) I make such a retirement living as it is working at a lathe, turning wooden stuff....I get 'tired', but do no aerobic exercise, and it shows! I have made ONE serious form of progress though....I have integrated my memory with my exercise program...as my memory gets worse and I forget more, I get to run up and down stairs more often...*grin* I eat less, because I don't burn the calories like I used to, so I have be more careful how much I pile on the plate. "It's amazing how much 'mature wisdom' resembles being too tired" ..............unknown |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Liz the Squeak Date: 09 May 04 - 04:23 PM I once climbed Cader Idris, with pretty much no distress other than a certain dampness about the exposed areas and a warm glow. Now today I can't get up the stairs without panting for breath and having to wait for the palpitations to stop.... The saddest thing is, there's only 2 years and nearly 2 stones in weight lost between the two events. LTS |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Peace Date: 09 May 04 - 04:25 PM ROFL. Good one, Bob. I used to be able to hold my bladder for six to eight hours, no problem. Now I have to pee six times a night and I'm thankful if I can get to the toilet for five of them. I read somewhere recently that people shrink with age. You guys, think about that. Grim, huh? |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 09 May 04 - 05:32 PM Naah - people take up too much space as it is. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: RangerSteve Date: 09 May 04 - 06:10 PM I'm no longer a volunteer fireman. I miss it, but I can't go to all-night fires and go to work the next morning with only one hour of sleep. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Peace Date: 09 May 04 - 08:06 PM I can see that ending for me in a few years, and it will break my heart. Tough one, RS. Sorry, buddy. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 09 May 04 - 09:21 PM When I was younger, I spent countless hours agonizing about where I was going in my life, because it so often didn't make any sense to me. Now, as Indiana Jones said, "I just make it up as I go along," and don't worry about it. I figure I'll understand what's going on when it's time for me to. Jerry |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Rapparee Date: 09 May 04 - 11:32 PM The quote's from Heinlein's Lazarus Long. I can still hit a target at 325 meters, with open sights (no scope) if the rifle is properly zeroes. I cannot hit one 25 meters further on, because I never could, but if I can see it I could at least scare it some. I've found that the overuse of fertilizers have caused the hills to grow, though. They weren't as high or as steep when I was younger. I can still walk at four miles per hour, but not for as long as I used to. And I can't carry a 60 pound pack anymore. Hell, I can barely lift 60 pounds! But I can take more medicine that I ever did before! And since I was diagnosed as insulin resistant, I've lost about 15 pounds -- since early February. I can stay up all night if I must, for a damned good reason, but I'd rather not. Some years ago, six or seven, my wife and I drove from Indiana to DC, overnight, racing to beat a hurricane. We won, but barely. As for drinking, yes, I can and do. But now it's to enjoy the taste and the company. I find that if I really, really must, I can. But now I ask myself, why should I? |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Ellenpoly Date: 10 May 04 - 04:00 AM I used to care what other people thought of me And I used to compare myself with the success of others I used to think I had all the time in the world And I used to believe I knew a lot of important things Now I know I know very little And that my opinion of myself is what matters most That friends need to be told I love them And that time is relentless When someone asks me now "What do you do?" my answer is "I live". ..xx..e |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Deckman Date: 10 May 04 - 04:59 AM Hey Ellen ... "livin" ain't bad! I know LOT'S of folks that can't do that anymore. Bob |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Catherine Jayne Date: 10 May 04 - 06:37 AM I used to walk with walking sticks, a limp and a great deal of pain. Now thanks to modern technology and a fair amount of metal I walk without pain, the sticks and the limp therefore I feel younger and there is much more I can now do! I have learnt to love myself which means I can love others. I have more confidence. I am still keeping the clothes from 5 years ago...just incase I lose more weight although there is a stone and a half less of me now than there was 8 weeks ago! |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Hrothgar Date: 10 May 04 - 06:41 AM The older I get, the better I was. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Roger the Skiffler Date: 10 May 04 - 10:00 AM I used to look in the mirror and see a Greek god (well, Bacchus was a god wasn't he?!!) Now I look in the mirror and see my father! RtS (I guess I don't look good naked -or clothed- anymore) |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: freda underhill Date: 10 May 04 - 10:24 AM I modelled for art classes when i was younger. won't be doing that one any more. studied yoga from the age of 14, taught & practised for many years. now go snap crackle & pop. once shovelled down various mind expanding stimulants, now take ginko to try and get that old memory back. once had waist length brown hair. now my hair is mostly white... spent a couple of decades revolting. well, still revolting, when in the mood. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Ellenpoly Date: 10 May 04 - 10:30 AM I got naked in front of 500 strangers just a couple of years ago, so one thing I still retain is a good sense of humour...xx..e |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Fibula Mattock Date: 10 May 04 - 10:40 AM LadyJean - I *am* 28, and I really don't think my hangovers could get any worse, nor can I function without sleep! That said, my friend has just talked me into signing up for a half marathon. The training starts tonight. I bet I feel twice my age tomorrow... |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Kim C Date: 10 May 04 - 10:48 AM Mostly nowadays I refrain from overeating, overdrinking, and partying till really late; although I reserve the right to do all those on special occasions. :-) I've found that I don't really care for the taste of vodka anymore. I much prefer a good rum instead. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 10 May 04 - 11:51 AM One of the best side effects of getting older for most people is that you stop looking inward all of the time, and start looking outward more. I find other people a lot more interesting than myself, and life is a lot more fun when you can stop spending all of your time thinking about yourself. Jerry |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: GUEST,Jim Dixon Date: 10 May 04 - 03:11 PM I don't do anything that involves a risk of falling down. (I was thinking of this recently while watching a bunch of kids in a potato sack race, falling down, laughing, getting up again. If I tried that, I'd be in pain for weeks.) Dancing. The last time I tried it, I limped for a week. (Fallen arches.) Flirting. For one thing, I'm happily married. For another thing, I finally figured out that when a slender 19-year-old girl wears hip-hugger jeans that show some butt cleavage, she may be trying to attract SOMEONE'S attention, but it sure as hell ain't mine. "Closing" a bar, as we say in Minnesota. That means staying in a bar and drinking until closing time, which is 1 a.m. It's been a long time since I've heard that old refrain, "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here." |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: emily rain Date: 10 May 04 - 05:14 PM gosh. i AM 28, and i don't remember successfully doing any of these things (successfully is the key word :) ). i guess somewhere inside me, there's a crotchety old lady screaming to get out. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Liz the Squeak Date: 10 May 04 - 05:20 PM Emily - the key word is YET.... the crochety old lady can wait until you've tried a few of the things we've done. My own crochety old lady sneaks out occasionally, but I'm trying to keep her under control and I don't let her show anyone my operation scars! LTS |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Kim C Date: 10 May 04 - 05:26 PM I am a 36-year-old teenager with a crotchety lady buried not so deep inside! I get crotchety when I see those 19-year-old girls showing their underwear above their jeans - we sure as hell didn't do that when I was 19! And what's with those stupid looking baggy pants? And all you kids who think the 80s were so cool - look here, they weren't, all right? I've already lived through punk rock and pink mohawks (though I never had one myself) and I don't need to go there again. And when I was younger, everything was closed on Sunday! We had to sit around on our brains and do homework or watch the Wide World of Sports. And we liked it! We loved it! It was glorious! (howzat?) ;-) |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: sian, west wales Date: 10 May 04 - 06:04 PM Yeh. Toes. As above, can't see them anymore, whereas I used to be able to suck on those babies. (Just as a party piece. Nothing weirder than that.) Also, I used to have the Definitive Answer for Many of Life's Mysteries. I have now come to realize that I don't really know much of anything for sure ... and shouldn't go inflicting my pomposity on others. sian |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: ranger1 Date: 10 May 04 - 06:19 PM Last Friday, a friend invited me out for a beer after work. I had to decline, as I had raked a mile and a half of trail, painted two bridges, cleaned out more drainage ditches and culverts than I could count, and helped remove 12 downed trees off the trails that week and I was almost asleep on my feet. You know you're starting to get old when all you can think of at 6 PM on a friday evening is how comfy your jammies are! |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Rapparee Date: 10 May 04 - 06:41 PM I keep wanting to share what I've learned with younger folks. Not that I want to be recognized as some sort of guru or philosopher, but that I know that they'll make the same mistakes I did and I'd like to share them that. And I also know that, if I gave it, they'd ignore my advice just like I ignored that of my elders. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Jim Dixon Date: 10 May 04 - 07:10 PM Used to be, whenever I had an unfortunate, painful, or embarrassing experience, I would, as they say "chalk it up to experience." I would think: OK, now I can say I've been there, done that; it was a learning experience, now I'll be prepared and do better next time. Now, whenever I have a painful, etc., experience, I think: Hey, I've already been there, done that too many times. I've learned more than I ever wanted to know about it. This wasn't supposed to happen again, ever. And there better not be a next time. |
Subject: RE: BS: The Things I Used To Do From: Bill D Date: 10 May 04 - 07:15 PM TOO OLD TO CUT THE MUSTARD When I was young I had lots of pep, I could get around I didn't need no help. But since I'm old and a-gettin' gray, The people look at me and say.... CHORUS: Too old, too old, He's too old to cut the mustard anymore. He's a-gettin' too old, he's done got too old, He's too old to cut the mustard anymore. I used to could jump just like a deer, But now I need a new landing gear. I used to could jump a picket fence, But now I'm lucky if I jump an inch. Because I'm... (CHORUS) When I was young I had an automobile, I'd scoot myself right under that wheel. I had to fight the gals off with a stick, But now they say, "Oh, he makes me sick, Because he's..." (CHORUS) |