Something I Used to Think

 Back in the days of my youth and naivety, I used to think when I reached my 50s life would be slow and staid and not much going on.  I figured I would spend my days sitting in my rocking chair and thinking about days gone by. 

My 50s are rapidly running out and so far that hasn't happened.  For one thing, I don't even own a rocking chair.  

I realize my parents, particularly my mother, had quite a deal to do with my earlier perceptions of my future.  My parents kept to themselves for the most part. We had extended family that would visit off and on, but we didn't entertain anyone aside from family members. My parents didn't belong to any organizations or clubs or suchlike.  It just wasn't how either of them were raised.  As a family in my younger years we would on occasion go to the beach. When my uncles would visit they and my dad would go surf fishing. My dad had been a lumberjack back in the day, but by the time I came along he worked as a chainsaw mechanic. My mother worked part time at the local grade school as a teachers' aide and then later as a foster grandparent up until she was 84 and was developing dementia. Neither of them had any real hobbies.  When they were younger we did a great deal of gardening during the spring and summers.  My dad did 90% of the actual gardening, us kids helped weed and harvest. When harvest time came around we all took part picking vegetables, if that is what was needed.  Picking beans or peas, apples, berries. We'd snap the green beans, shuck corn...whatever.  Mom and her mother, Grandma, would process and can or freeze.

As time went on and Dad and Mom weren't able to garden as much any more, Dad spent his hours doing what little he could in the garden.  Mom spent her time in the house either fixing meals after her work, the rest of the time she spent in her little rocking chair reading or working crossword puzzles. Socializing, or getting involved with organizations were not things that my parents ever did. I guess I grew up thinking that there was nothing much to do in life for adults but work a job and then come home and garden or rock in the chair.

Haha

 My own life is much busier.  By my choice I would guess.  Neither Gary nor I are much into joining clubs or groups or organizations, really.  But somehow life stays full. I work as a sub teacher and enjoy that.  I have not subbed as much this fall semester, due to the Alph Gal issue.  But I have done a great deal with the church.  Seems like I am showing up to do something off and on quite often. Just today we had a little meeting of what we call the Pineapple girls (stand up straight, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside) in the which I taught the lesson by being Detective Christmas and teaching what Christmas is all about. Ha. That was quite the show because we had 5 Sunday School rooms set up with different "plateau"; Christmas tree, presents, cookies, baby Jesus, the cross.  I had a little speech in each room, complete with a Scripture.  It was fun.  I think the girls enjoyed it.

I do other things with the church, Bible Studies...etc.  I have neighbors I like to visit.  And taking care of Gary and Ellen keeps me busy as well.

In the long run, my sitting and rocking all day in a chair time seems to be yet way in the future.  Thankfully.  I am having too much fun to just sit all day.