when I’m sixty-four? Which happens today – my sixty-fourth birthday.
Can I just ask — how the heck did that happen?! Don’t get me wrong, I’m really happy to be here to celebrate another birthday. It’s just that it’s kinda hard to accept the number. And I know that it’s just a number, but geez. How did it get so high so fast?
I’m sure you remember the Beatles’ song “When I’m Sixty Four.” Here’s a bit of the lyrics, just for fun.
When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings, bottle of wine?
If I’d been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I’m sixty-four?
I remember singing along to this song when I was probably 13 or 14 thinking that at 64 I’d probably be sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch watching life go by.
Well, hello, no rocking chair here. At 64, I’m feeling good, feeling sassy.
Since my birthday is at the almost-end of each year, I’ve always had a bit of a personal tradition of looking back at the current year and taking stock. What kind of year was it? What lessons presented themselves to me and how did I handle them? Where and who am I now at this new age? What should I try to improve or change about myself?
I’m taking stock, not because I’m concerned about checking off a list of goals and achievements, but more so because I want to take the time to recognize and absorb and enjoy and celebrate and honor as many moments and experiences of the current year of my life as I can remember.
Isn’t it good news that as we add years to our lives, we can also choose to add more life to those years? For example, what a relief it is to not worry about those pesky 5 or 10 pounds anymore. Good grief, if I could take back the days and months and years that I worried about such things, I’d probably be about 14.
Here’s another one – all the striving and eggshell-walking that we’ve done to “succeed” in life – good riddance. My feet can’t take it anymore.
And lastly, what about those life-sucking relationships that you can kick to the curb now? So long! No time for you anymore.
Remember, I said I was feeling sassy at 64. This is me, taking stock.
Anyway, at this age, when the path in front of me is shorter than what’s behind me, I’m obsessed with making sure that I eat up every bit of life and love in it.
I know a lot of people – especially those of us in this “aging” category – will often say that birthdays are just another day. Nothing special. No big deal.
Sound familiar?
Well excuse me but I think a birthday is a very big deal – especially as we count higher.
If nothing else, it’s a great time to be thankful for the year just passed and for each new day ahead. It’s also a good time to give yourself a little love. Make it a “be kind to me no matter what I do or what happens” kind of day.
So happy birthday to me and to everyone else sharing the day with me. Thanks Mom and Dad for bringing me along, and for my husband, siblings, family members, friends, and pets who make my every day a little brighter, a little happier, and more love-filled than anyone could ever hope for.
Off I go with a certain Beatles’ tune in my head, a Christmas tree to trim, and a brand new day to enjoy being 64.
Till next time,
Judy
Love your “sassinest”! Love rocking chairs but really mostly for design style – not for watching from the sidelines. Stay beautiful inside and out!
❤️❤️❤️ B
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😘
💥👍💓 This one is spot on Judy!! Happy birthday my amazing friend🎵☄
Happy birthday! I’m glad we live in a world where we choose how we represent “old age”! No rocking chair and knitting for me..
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I’m with you Melanie!
Did I write this article?? No, a dear friend of mine did but I could have!! I turned 64 on 11/3 and like you, I’m feeling pretty darn sassy AND grateful! Happy Birthday Judy! The world and I are better for having you here!! Thanks for sharing, putting things in perspective and the reminder that life is to be lived!! As Morgan Freeman said in Shawshank Redemption, we either got to get busy living or get busy dying. I choose living! I’m betting there are lots of other sassy chicks just like us out there!! Thanks again for giving all of us a present on your birthday!! Hugs!!
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Dearest, you are too sweet. Your words made my day. Thank you. xxx
Love it!!! Happy Birthday to my longest friend. 61 years is a long time😱😉😘
Love it❤️ Happy Birthday to my longest friend. 61 years is a long time😱😘😉❤️
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61 years and going strong! xx
Happy Birthday Judy 🎉
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Thank you! xx
Happy birthday sassy girl! Beautiful words! Life is truly what we make it!
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Hi sweet lady! Thanks for the kind words. Love to you!
Judy, I’m about to have my 64th++++ birthday but had a surprise celebration last night. So reading this early this morning while the laughter and love of the friends who concocted the evening were still so fresh was, as Joan said, like reading my own thoughts. Thank you for being able to read my mind and put it in writing! And, Happy Birthday!
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Aw, thanks so much, Terry. And happy birthday to you!
I couldn’t agree with you more!!!
Hope you had a Happy, Happy Birthday!!!
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Thank you, Debby! I did!
Belated happy birthday, you adorable thing! I’m glad you’re glad about another year – it gives me something else to look forward to as well. Your posts always make me smile. Thank you!
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Speaking of adorable things, you!
This is so cute Jude! I loved it and I totally agree! At 78 yrs I’m not ready for that rocking chair although there are days when it sounds good! Every day is an adventure to be embraced and enjoyed and I love every minute! And I love you!
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Thank you, sis! I love you, too. And by the way, you make 78 look GREAT!
Well my dear 20+ years ago we met and became friends while touting the advantages of a new Medicare Health Plan. haha Did we ever think we would ever need Senior Health Care? Well maybe Schub after Boston with us. October 1 was the big 75 for me. I put the fear of god into kids and family, no party, no gifts just a casual nod and a high 5. They still don’t listen to me. I can’t believe you are really 64, you will be sassy at 94. I don’t know what happened to me, one day depressed because I was turning 30 and the next I was telling those who ask I just turned 3/4 of a century. 3/4 of a century because it takes most people longer to figure out how old that really is. I hope you got the card it reminded me of the sassy, funny you! Was it early enough? I had a lot going on and wanted not to forget to send it. Shit happens! Love and miss you. A Martini toast to 10/1 & 12/1, Grey Goose up, dry chilled with 2 big olives. Subes
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Yes, got the card and LOVED it. Talk about sassy! I learned much of it from you, missy. And yeah, I can hardly believe that next year I’ll be shopping for one of those Medicare health plans. Good Lord!
Love and miss you, too. Hope you have wonderful holidays. By the way, Michael says to count him in on the Grey Goose (his favorite) martini!