All of this landscaping has taken a serious toll on my aged body, apparently. I actually had to take a day off from work to recover from an aching back. When younger (twenties), I could chop a load of firewood blah blah blah. Same old "old guy lament", I know. It's just rearing its ugly head more and more lately. I don't exercise except playing with the kids, I don't eat well regularly (adult type Happy Meals still make me happy), and I stay up waaaaay too late so I suffer from poor sleeping habits. I find myself becoming nostalgic for old Geritol commercials and trying to remember what's in that shit. I need something. I can't call my boss and request another day off because I can't tie my shoes again. She's gonna start thinking dementia soon. Being a late father (first kid at 39) isn't helping with my energy. I just constantly feel like my cellphone with only one bar displayed. This rambling blog entry is a perfect example of how addled my thinking is of late. Maybe I should start eating that Icelandic fermented shark stuff. Foods that smell like ammonia might work like smelling salts and keep me alert.


Five Replies to I'm Too Young To Be Old

Scott Hardie | October 15, 2009
Would it help to force yourself to eat regularly and sleep regularly? We've been doing that lately after getting sick from not taking care of our basic health, and it has made a difference in feeling normal again.

The late-parent thing might get better. My parents had me at 38, and I was as boisterous as other kids in my early years, but by adolescence I had mellowed out and become a quiet kid by virtue of living in a mellow, quiet household. I knew my parents couldn't or wouldn't take me on roller coasters or let me have parties with friends or do other wild kid activities. I'm sure you're raising considerate kids, so they should grow to respect your limits too.

Steve West | October 15, 2009
That's welcome advice. I can alter my eating and sleeping habits, sure. I should and I'm sure I will out of necessity. That late parent thing I can't change. Lauren was followed by Olivia when I was 41. While I don't regret anything about them, slowing down is slightly more difficult with the needs entailed in Olivia's autism. How considerate she'll even be able to be remains to be seen. I'll start with what I can change and remain hopeful about things I cannot. Thanks.

Steve Dunn | October 15, 2009
Have you considered the use and abuse of recreational drugs? Stimulants are probably best for the symptoms you describe (cocaine, meth, speed) but you'll want to keep some downers on hand for balance and sleeping.

Steve West | October 15, 2009
Now I feel like the guy who is asked if he has any naked pictures of his wife. When I indignantly reply, "Of course not", I get the immediate follow-up question, "Wanna buy some?" Drugs and me are definitely yesterday. Thanks for the suggestion!

Amy Austin | October 16, 2009
Wink, wink... nudge, nudge.


Web Junkie

Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Welcome To Steve's World

Is anyone else offended by the automatic deodorizing spray dispenser in public bathrooms? It offends me when I’m standing at the urinal and that’s when it decides to spritz. Like it’s somehow recognized that an emergency deodorizing event is occurring and needs attention. Go »

End Of My Blog Sabbatical

Just came back from my local town's (Bowie, MD) fireworks display. For such a small town they really do a good job. This is really saying something where the fireworks show right next door (Washington DC's) Fireworks on the Mall gets national coverage. Go »

And A Super Thank You To You

"I can fly!" "I can burn things up just by looking at them!" "I can change the density of my body from the heaviest metal to the most ephmeral gas!" Go »

Adios Por Ahora

So I've dragged my old college spanish texts off the shelf trying to prep for my trip to Spain. Four days in Barcelona and 2 days in Madrid. I should see plenty of the Mediterranean in Barcelona with temperatures in the low eighties the entire time. Go »

Is This A Country Song Or What?

Playing a country song backwards, as the old joke goes, and your wife comes back, your dog is alive again, and your trucks rolls over onto its wheels. The Mickster has got it bad in Oscar week as his beloved chihuahua died in his arms. Not to make fun of what must have been a horrible event, but did he really need to display his mourning by attending a New York fashion show the very next day? Go »

Mariah and the Subtle Burn

Recent conversation with Brenda (after hearing All I Want for Christmas... again): Me: Mariah Carey beginning with "I don't want a lot for Christmas..." and then revealing she wants "you" is kind of a burn, Brenda: She could mean that she doesn't want a lot of other gifts and only wants her man friend. Go »