I had planned to write this yesterday, but my days changed when I realized today would be the 4th… In the past, I would either enjoy a cook-out at my sister’s or at a friend’s house, but today…it’s just me & the boys (aka my cats).
Regardless, my topic has nothing to do with the holiday…but everything to do with the realization…I’m old. Ha.
For the past several years, I have spent the week or two before my birthday aging my profile pics– reminding me of the journey from birth to whichever birthday it is. However, Tuesday, I was reminded of another sign of getting old.
For the past months, my washing machine has had to have an “extra try” or another spin cycle added to the end of a load’s washing because….the old girl just couldn’t get the job done. Right when I was pondering a trip to Lowe’s to purchase a new machine, I heard my nephew discussing how he was going to be selling a lot of his apartment’s items as he wouldn’t need them in the apartment he and his wife would be sharing. The lightbulb went off, and I exclaimed, “I’ll buy it!”
Patiently, I waited for the new-to-me machine and made ‘the old girl’ work a few more months. Finally, my sister & brother-in-law’s vacations arrived, and the NEW machine was delivered.
Let me just say… I LOVE IT! Now, the boys aren’t fans as they scurry to another room whenever it runs. Why? It makes different noises.
To be honest, when I started my trial load on Tuesday, I asked my sister, Sherry, “Is that how it’s supposed to sound?” To which she replied, “Yes, Jodi. Your machine was old. Newer machines don’t sound the same.” Now, when the washer stops, the clothes are washed and spun out to the point that they don’t need “more time” or “another try” to get rid of excess water.
Sometimes, we know we’re old because….our parts don’t work as well they used to.
Maybe….we find ourselves needing to take fiber supplements. Perhaps, we need to wrap our knee before we take a long walk. Possibly, our eyes require bifocals to see things or read clearly. Maybe, at the end of a long day, we need to put a heating pad behind our back. Let’s face it…washing machines aren’t the only thing whose parts wear down and need help. Just saying.
Sometimes, we know we’re old because we’re super excited about getting a new appliance.
Okay, so I’ve posted my #gratitudejournalofjodilea on FB for a few years now. My new-to-me washing machine has made the list for its first two nights. To be honest, it’ll make it tonight too. Why? I’m FINALLY washing my blanket & comforter that I took off my bed a month ago because I trust it to wash & spin it enough to throw into the dryer. To tell the truth, I was looking forward to coming home and starting the washing up. Hmmm, that’s probably another sign.
Sometimes, we know we’re old because it’s a rainy day and the perfect opportunity for a nap.
Scratch that. That’s been my perspective for decades. Alas, the rain and my roomies have determined…it’s time for this old lady to take a nap.
Enjoy your 4th…whether you’re young or old….or somewhere in between!
Jodi Lea Pflaumer, Author 